Tuesday, February 5, 2013 10:29 am

Cannon County celebrated Senior Night 2013 during its girls and boys basketball games against Warren County Friday (Feb. 1). This year’s senior class includes, from left, Alex Davenport, Jarrett Melton, Ellie Davenport, Justin Tobin, Taylor Nelms, Zach

By TONY STINNETT/Courier Sports Editor

Coaches usually have to guard against letdowns when playing non-district foes late in the season.

Lionettes Head Coach Michael Dodgen had no such worries when Cannon County faced Warren County in the final non-district game of the season Friday (Feb. 1).

The Lionettes (23-3) thrashed Warren County 64-26 and avenged its only non-district setback.

The Lionettes suffered a 39-36 loss at Warren County in December after starting the season 10-0. It is also Cannon County’s lowest-scoring game to date.

That, in itself, would serve as motivation in the rematch; however, it seems the Lionettes had an even greater purpose.

Evidently comments made in the local media and elsewhere made their way to Cannon County and didn’t sit too well.

With a point to prove, Cannon County scored more points in the first half (40) than it did the entire game at Warren County. The Lionettes, who were led by Abbey Sissom’s 17 points, led 40-11 at the half.

“I’m alright when teams beat us but I just didn’t like the way they handled it,” Dodgen said. “It was a big win for their program but you have to watch what you say in the media and what you say out in public when you are making comments. The kids took those to heart because a lot of the comments were made to the kids. We came out with a different purpose tonight.”