Wednesday, December 26, 2012 11:53 am

TONY STINNETT/Courier Sports Editor

Although the scoreboard did not reveal a win for Cannon County in the opening round of the Sun Drop Romp Christmas Tournament, the Lions still gained a measure of victory in their 52-34 setback against Wilson Central.

The Lions (7-5) put together a strong defensive effort but turnovers and an ability to knock down shots staggered Cannon County.

Jarrett Melton led the Lions with 13 points. No other Lion had more than five points. Cory Henley had five, followed by Josh Ruehlen and Ethan Bryson with four each.

Cannon County was playing without starting forward Tanner Larson, who will miss the Sun Drop Romp due to medical reasons.

The final score was an 18-point setback but the score fluxiated between six and eight points for most of the second half. In fact, the Lions trailed by six with possession twice in the fourth quarter but could not get clutch shots to fall.

The Lions got strong contributions from Josh Ruehlen, Jacob Nave and Garrett McReynolds.

“We didn’t get a win but we showed improvement,” Cannon County Head Coach Matt Rigsby said. “We need to continue to do that over these next two weeks before we get into the thick of the district race.”