Cannon Co. squads in peak condition

DAVID HUNTER

The Cannon Courier

The high school basketball season is almost over with a week left before postseason play.

Cannon County hopes to be peaking at the right time during these last three games of the regular season. So far, so good as both the Lions and Lionettes defeated DeKalb County on Jan. 27, while the girls knocked off York on Jan. 31 to make it two wins in a row at home.

The home sweep against rival DeKalb was the first time this season, both CCHS teams won on the same night. The Lionettes won 61-55, while the Lions won in overtime 76-73.

"It was good, because we were cheering them on," Lionette Wing Kirsten Fann said. "They were cheering us on and having a good time and playing hard. Just to come out with both teams winning was good."

Lionettes head coach Jonathan Odom added, "It was great, because we are both each other's biggest fans. I owe a lot to Coach (Matt) Rigsby not just because he is the athletic director, but he is also a friend and mentor. I was happy for him and the coaching staff I know the boys were relieved to get a district win, especially at home. The whole night was a really neat atmosphere. We had a packed house, rivalry game and both games were very competitive, very entertaining games."

The Lions win over the Tigers ended several losing streaks for the boys' team. Including eight straight losses, and it was their first district win in almost a year. CCHS last regular season district win came on Feb. 11, 2016 against DeKalb at home, 69-48, and they also beat them five days later at the District 8AA Tournament at Tennessee Tech.

"It was really fun, and we all played as a team," Lions guard Cole George said. "We felt unstoppable as all five were playing as one unit. We got great open looks and played great defense."

Lions head coach Matt Rigsby added, "It was a much-needed district win. It was a great win and effort by the guys. We had a big crowd there. The student section was awesome, and I was proud of the kids."

Four nights later, Robert A. Harris gymnasium turned into Comic Con as several CCHS students dressed up as superheroes as they watched their classmates on the basketball court against York. Both teams gave a super heroic performance as the Lionettes won 68-59, but the Lions fell 66-58.

"I thought our team battled thru a lot of adversity with foul trouble being an issue," Odom said. "We had key contributions from lots of players to help us stay in the game and maintain control. We continue to show growth and maturity and hopefully we are beginning to peak at the right time of the season."

CCHS has three games left in the regular season (Feb. 3 vs. Macon County, Feb. 7 at Murfreesboro Central Magnet and Feb. 9 vs. Livingston) before the District 8AA Tournament starts on Feb. 13 in Cookeville.

This year's tournament format has changed from last season, so here is how it works for the 2017 edition for both the boys and girls' tournament: No. 1 and No. 2 seeds gets a double bye and they automatically qualify for the region tournament. The No. 3 and No. 4 seed receive a first round bye, so in the opening round it will be No. 5 vs. No. 8 and No. 6 vs. No. 7. Those two winners will face the No. 3 and No. 4 seed in the next round for the right to advance to the region tournament. Remember top four in the district qualifies for the Region Tournament starting on Feb. 24 at TBA.

CCHS Box Score

Jan. 27 vs. DeKalb

Lionettes- Maleah Scott 24, Taylor Meeks 10, Kristen Fann 8, Anna Grace Sissom 6, Madison Gaither 5, Jessie Kauffman 4, Olivia Walkup 2, Tori Knox 2.

Lions- Cole George 26, Trey Fann 17, Brandon Miles 14, Austin Duggin 11, Charlie Parrish 5, Anton Knox 3.

Jan. 31 vs. York

Lionettes- Anna Grace Sissom-16, Kristen Fann-14, Maleah Scott-10, Taylor Meeks-9, Tori Knox-7, Jessie Kauffman-5, Olivia Walkup-4, Madison Gaither-3.

Lions- Cole George-21, Austin Duggin-15, Trey Fann-10, Brandon Miles-6, Charlie Parrish-4, Anton Knox-2.

District 8AA Standings (As of Feb. 2,)

Girls

1. Upperman 11-0

2. Macon County 8-3

3. Smith County 7-4

4. Livingston Academy 5-6

5. Cannon County 4-7

6. DeKalb County 4-7

7. York Institute 4-7

8. Murfreesboro Central Magnet 1-10

Boys

1. Macon County 11-0

2. Upperman 10-1

3. Murfreesboro Central Magnet 6-5

4. Livingston Academy 5-6

5. York Institute 5-6

6. Smith County 4-7

7. DeKalb County 2-9

8. Cannon County 1-10

District 8AA Schedule (Regular Season Ends on Feb. 9)

Feb. 6- York at Livingston; Upperman at Macon

Feb. 7- Smith at DeKalb; Cannon at Murfreesboro Central Magnet

Feb. 9- Livingston at Cannon; Macon at DeKalb; Murfreesboro Central Magnet at Smith; Upperman at York.