TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor
Sunday, February 12, 2012 6:15 pm

Cannon County put together a competitive effort against Smith County but an inability to hit shots cost the Lions in a 51-41 setback at Robert A. Harris Gym Friday.

Lions Brad Hutchins and Matthew Turney were honored prior to the game on “Senior Night.” Sophomore Cory Henley led the Lions with 17 points. Jarrett Melton added eight.

The Lions played without Hutchins, who suffered an ankle injury against DeKalb County earlier in the week. His status against Smith County in the first round of the District 8-AA Tournament is questionable.

Smith County, seeded fourth, and Cannon County, the fifth seed, are first-round opponents in the opening game of the district tournament regardless of last Friday’s outcome.

“I thought the kids played hard and we put forth a good effort but shots just didn’t fall for us,” Cannon County Head Coach Matt Rigsby said. “Despite that, we were far more competitive in this game and we can learn some things from film off this game.”

Cannon County (9-20, 4-8) was in the game throughout and trailed 21-16 at the half, but the Lions could never put together a consistent enough run to complete a comeback against the Owls. Smith County was led by Jordan Craighead’s 18 points.