Strong start for CCHS basketball

By TONY STINNETT
Courier Sports Editor

SPENCER - It has been at least 12 years since a Cannon County’s boys basketball team has displayed the offensive prowess it did during two games here Friday.

The Lions, who are off to a 4-0 start, scored an 83-59 win against Sale Creek in the first of two Hall of Fame games at Van Buren County High School. They followed that victory with an 85-52 pasting of Van Buren County in the nightcap.

It marked the first time a Cannon County boys basketball team has scored 80-plus points in consecutive games since at least 2000-01.

“We are playing great defense, runing the floor well and getting good looks,” Lions Head Coach Matt Rigsby said. “The big key is we are pretty deep and we are extending leads. It hasn’t matter who has been on the floor, they have all been productive.”

Senior forward Tanner Larson put on a scoring display against Sale Creek. He poured in a career-high 26 points on 12-of-17 shooting from the field. He also had seven rebounds and two blocked shots.

A.J. Daniel and Austin Martin also reached double figures with 12 points each to pace a balanced Lion attack.
Jacob Nave contributed eight and had a solid all-around game, while Cory Henley totaled seven points, followed by Briar Jakes with seven. The Lions put up 71 shots in the win.

Cannon County didn’t let up against host Van Buren County. Henley poured in 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting to lead the Lions. Martin continued his strong start to his sophomore season with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field.
Tommy Mitchell finished with nine points, followed by Josh Ruehlen with eight, Larson with seven, and Bo Bryson and A.J. Daniel finished with six each. The Lions knocked down nine 3-pointers in the one-sided victory.

“We know the games are going to get tougher and the competition will improve as we get into our district schedule,” Rigsby said. “Right now it’s good that we are playing well and we have several players able to get some experience in game situations. These kids expect to win and the first week was a good start for us and for our confidence.”

The Lions will return to action when they play host to Coffee County at Harris Gymnasium Thursday.