Alumni kick off CCHS season

DAVID HUNTER
The Cannon Courier

The Lions and Lionettes tipped off the 2015-16 basketball season with the annual Alumni Game at Robert A. Harris Gymnasium Saturday, November 7th. Both Cannon County high school teams were introduced to the huge crowd, while the local Junior Pro league competed in preseason games. A three-point contest was also held to the delight of the fans.

"It was an absolute success," CCHS boys' basketball coach and athletic director Matt Rigsby said. "Our hats are off to our booster club members and the grammar schools for helping. I cannot say enough about it being a truly tip-off to our season. In addition a big thank you is also given to our Junior Pro coaches and players. It was awesome."

All but two CCJP teams took part in the preseason game as the fans and parents got their first look at the players for the upcoming season, which starts on Saturday November, 21st. Each of the area grammar school players and cheerleaders were then introduced, and some of the past and present top shooters in the county took part in a three-point contest.

The grammar school contest was decided in a three team shoot off between Short Mountain, Eastside and Westside, with Ivy Travis and Gus Davenport winning it for the Eagles. Briar Jakes and Cole George won the high school boys three-point contest, and former female stars Ashley Patrick and Emily Mullins won the high school girls three-point contest over current Lionettes Haylee Mooneyham and Hannah Haley.

But the highlight of the night came with the Alumni Game as several classic Lions and Lionettes hit the hardwood for one more game. Those alumni included: Chad Hale, Ryan Tenpenny, Tommy Mitchell, Jonathan Bryson, Colin Jones, Jared Nave, Ashley Patrick, Pedro Lara, Jesse Owen, Marshall McReynolds, Tanner Larson, Jacob Nave, Ethan Womack, Cory Henley and Phillip Mullins.

CCHS tips off at home on Saturday, November 17th at 5 p.m. against Van Buren County.