Lions Suffer Setback Against Wildcats

LIVINGSTON - There is never a good time to play a talented team such as Livingston Academy on its home floor but Cannon County caught the Wildcats at the worst possible time here Friday (Jan. 27).

Livingston Academy (18-7, 7-1), coming off a home loss against DeKalb County,  took its frustration out on Cannon County in a 72-45 setback to remain tied with Upperman atop the District 8-AA standings. Cannon County (8-17, 3-6) had won back-to-back games prior to running into a road block in Livingston.

"Livingston Academy is a solid team and they were focused tonight," Cannon County Head Coach Matt Rigsby said. "They got off to a good start and they had the big second quarter that just kind of opened it up. We didn't offer much resistance at times and they took advantage with some good looks."

The Wildcats were lights out from the field. They finished the game at 64 percent (34-of-50) but they were an eye-popping 21-of-26 (81 percent) from the field in the first half. All of the attempts were inside in the 3-point arc and generally from within 5-to-7 feet.

Sophomore Tanner Larson continued his strong finish to the season with a team-high 14 points. He was the only Lion with double figures. Brad Hutchins finished with six; Zach Higgins and Tommy Mitchell added five each.

Getting shots was not a problem for Cannon County. In fact, the Lions had more attempts (53) than the Wildcats (50), but their conversion rate was nowhere near as good. Cannon County shot just 38 percent (20-of-53) from the field, including 10 percent (1-of-10) from 3-point range.

The Lions trailed 20-10 after the first quarter but things worsened quickly. They were outscored 27-8 in the quarter as Livingston Academy opened a 47-18 halftime lead and never let up in the second half.