Sissom leads Cannon to victory
Friday, November 23, 2012 4:57 pm
TONY STINNETT Courier Sports Editor Paying added attention to Abbey Sissom isn’t working out too well for opposing teams early in the 2012-13 basketball season.
Those well-devised schemes are creating opportunities for others and Sissom somehow still manages to impact the game.
Coffee County was the latest victim. Sissom scored a game-high 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including four 3-pointers, to lead the Lionettes (3-0) to a 58-42 win against the Lady Red Raiders. Sissom also had three assists and two steals.
“Coffee County did something that had not been done yet, which was face deny (Sissom),” Cannon County Head Coach Michael Dodgen said. “She will see that a lot. She just keeps doing her thing and finds ways to be a factor in the game.”
Abby Jakes was the only other Lionette in double figures with 10. The 5-foot-4 guard also had five rebounds – all offensive. Jordan Hollis finished with eight points, three assists and three steals. Forward Rebekah Faulkner continued to be a steady contributor off of the bench with seven points. Ashley Basham made her presence known in the paint with nine rebounds and three blocks.
“This was a good win for us,” Sissom said. “It is important that we get challenged early because it helps get us ready for our tough district schedule and Coffee County was a challenge. They are more physical and they are patient in their offense.”
Cannon County continued to do a good job on the boards. Post players Basham, Faulkner, Emily Pemberton and Arianna Kailiponi have been solid in the early going and the Lionette guards also do a formidable job in the rebounding category. The Lionettes pulled 13 offensive rebounds against Coffee County.
The game started as though it would be anything but a challenge as Cannon County vaulted to a 21-6 lead after the first quarter. Coffee County wouldn’t stay down.
The Lady Red Raiders were 3-of-7 from the field and connected on seven free throws in the second quarter. The Lionettes hit a lull in the frame with just nine points and Coffee County had clawed back to within striking distance.
“Of all the non-district teams we play Coffee County is the one I dread the most,” Dodgen said. “They are very well coached. If you get in a game where they dictate the pace you are in trouble. We got up early and they had to adjust a little bit and play a different style.”
Cannon County led 30-19 at the half. Sissom was 5-of-9 from the field, including three 3-pointers in the first half. She scored seven of the team’s nine points in the second quarter.
Coffee County climbed to within 10, 36-26, in the third quarter but Basham collected an offensive carom and put it back and Sissom scored six straight to push the lead to 42-26 and Cannon County was never really threatened down the stretch.
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