Coming back from the New Year’s break, the Jackson County Panthers were hoping to continue to gain momentum off of a tournament-closing win over Hebron Christian Academy on Dec. 30.
It didn’t work out that way, as the Panthers dropped their second loss of the year to Johnson.
Up next is a home stand for the Panthers, as they play host to Oconee County Friday night. The Warriors come to The Pit with a 5-5 overall record and 1-0 in region play.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
The Panthers started last week’s pairing with Johnson on a strong note, as the first quarter ended with an 11-11 tie. The Panthers fought hard and stayed with the Knights in the second quarter, and took control of the game late in the half to hold a 22-20 lead at halftime.
But things didn’t go as well in the third quarter, as Johnson held the Panthers to only four points while they surged ahead, scoring 14. Jackson County made a charge again in the fourth quarter, scoring 17, but couldn’t match a strong 30 point fourth by the Knights, who came away with the 64-43 victory.
Alex Crawford led the Panthers in scoring with 13 points, going 10-12 from the free throw line. Nick Oney scored 10 points, while Joseph Smith scored nine and Jarvis Shaw scored six.
Smith is a junior, while Crawford, Oney and Shaw are sophomores.
“That paints a bright picture for the future,” said coach Britt Beaver.
Beaver also pointed out that in their last meeting, the Knights outscored Jackson County by 40 points.
“We are definitely improving,” he said.
“(We had) an excellent first half to be leading by two against a very good Johnson team. We did get into some foul trouble in the second quarter and had to sit two starters in the third.
“We had a lot of inexperience come off the bench and give us what they could, but we just aren’t deep and when the little bit of experience we have isn’t on the floor, it is tough for us to compete.”
Beaver said his team has improved greatly and his players are continuing to work hard.
“That is all we can ask.”
The Panthers were scheduled to travel to Franklin County on Tuesday. Results of that game were unavailable at press time.
