Banks County’s varsity Leopards did something out of character as they got started back this past week.
Against Riverside on Jan. 7, the Leopards played until double overtime, but were edged out 87-85 by Riverside. This marked the team’s third loss this season and the team remains at 3-1 for region play and 11-3 overall.
This week the Leopards host region opponent North Oconee on Friday following the girls’ game at 7 p.m.
North Oconee is 1-3 in the region and just dropped a game to East Jackson on Tuesday. North Oconee averages about 43 points per game compared to Banks’ 67 points per game.
Granted, the Leopards will not be playing at 100 percent, until Chase Armour returns after an ankle sprain from a game last week. Coach Mike Ruth said it could be after next week before C. Armour could return to the court.
“It going to be tough from here on out,” said Ruth.
Saturday, the Leopards will host Stephens County at 7:30 p.m. Banks faced Stephens County in the Piedmont College Invitational where the Leopards took a five-point victory. With the Indians’ affinity to drawing charges and Banks coming off of a region contest, Saturday’s game should prove interesting as the two teams rematch.
The Banks County Leopards’ return to the court from the holidays against region opponent Riverside on Jan. 7, was not the return hoped for as the team was defeated in double overtime by two points, 87-85.
Banks and Riverside were evenly match as the first quarter ended in a draw at 17 points. The Leopards took the advantage in the second quarter to end the half 39-33 for Banks County.
Riverside drew close scoring 24 points in the third quarter, but the Leopards picked up 25 of their own. In the fourth quarter, Banks lost Kane Duncan on fouls followed by C. Armour on an ankle injury. The resulting shift of players allowed Riverside to catch up and outscore Banks 16-9 in the fourth. After the first overtime, neither school could clinch the game, forcing a second overtime period. Banks added 12 points between the two extra periods, but Riverside slipped ahead for the win scoring 14.
Ryan Griffin led the Leopards with 22 points including six three-pointers, followed by C. Armour who scored 21 before being sidelined. Duncan also scored 21 points and assisted on 11. Kevin Daniel rounded out the top four scoring 16 points and pulling 15 rebounds. Quintin Lovelace picked up three while Brett Armour added two points.
Shaking off the loss on Wednesday, Banks went to Union County on Friday and picked up a narrow four point region win. The Leopards were down by nine during the third quarter and came back for the win.
“They made some changes since the last time we played them, but for us to go to Union and win is something we haven’t done in five years,” said Coach Mike Ruth. “It was an ugly win, but when you are on the road and missing your leading scorer, you will take them how you can get them.”
The contest totaled 21 turnovers for the Leopards and was tied 11-11 after the first quarter, but Banks picked up 12 in the second eight minutes, which was enough to take the lead 23-20. Union County scored 17 in the third to push the Leopards back to 37-34 at the end of the third quarter. Outscoring the opponent, 21-14 made all the difference in the fourth quarter as Banks took the win.
Kasey Hudgens led the Leopards with 12 points and made a big play when he made a lay-up, stole the inbound pass to score and was fouled. Ruth said that made all the difference as he scored five points in under ten seconds.
Griffin picked up 11 followed by Duncan with nine. Bill Redmon added eight while Daniel added seven points. B. Armour stepped in to start and picked up six. Lovelace rounded out the scorers adding two points to the winning effort.
On Tuesday, Banks played Oglethorpe in the first region competition of the season between the schools. The Leopards and the Patriots have already faced each other twice this season in tournaments. Banks took the win 73-60. Individual results and game statistics were unavailable at press time.
