Shocking: CCHS Pulls Off Sweep Of Rival DeKalb

SMITHVILLE - One win was almost expected. The other was a major upset that will raise a few eyebrows throughout District 8-AA.

Cannon County pulled off a shocking road sweep of rival DeKalb County in front of a packed house in Smithville, giving the Lions wins in three of the four basketball games played between the teams this season.

That the Lionettes tasted victory is not shocking. Cannon County ran its winning streak against DeKalb County to a remarkable 31 straight with a convincing 56-37 win. Cannon County's win, coupled with York's loss against Livingston, moves the Lionettes (22-6, 6-5) into a tie for third in the league standings.

The Lions also made an unexpected move in the league standings with their stunning 74-70 win against 8-AA contender DeKalb County (18-5, 8-3), which had won eight straight and 10 of its last 11. The Tigers entered the contest one game behind first-place Livingston; however, the Lions knocked them out of the title chase and into a tie for second with Upperman.

The win allowed Cannon County (9-19, 4-7) to move into fifth in the standings, which would pit them against the No. 4 seed in the first round of the district tournament. The No. 4 seed is currently Smith County, which the Lions face in the regular-season finale at Robert A. Harris Gymnasium Friday.

Junior guard Jarrett Melton led the Lions' upset with 23 points, four assists and four steals. Cory Henley added 16 points and Brad Hutchins had 10 points and seven rebounds before aggravating a previous ankle injury late in the second quarter. He did not return. Alex Davenport was a vital cog in the victory with seven points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Justin Tobin added seven points and five rebounds.

The Lions were 16-of-28 from the field on their way to a 36-23 halftime lead. They never trailed and fought off numerous DeKalb County runs. Cannon County was 17-of-22 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Abbey Sissom enjoyed an outstanding shooting night to lead the Lionettes to a rousing victory. Sissom scored 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field. She was 5-of-10 from 3-point range, including a barrage of long-range bombs that buried the Lady Tigers early.

Cannon County led 17-1 after the first quarter and held DeKalb County without a field goal for the first 10:49 of the game. In addition to Sissom's strong performance, Jordan Hollis added nine points on 4-of-5 shooting. Ashley Basham had a strong outing with five points, eight rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Lindsey Reed finished with five points, seven steals, seven assists and seven rebounds.

The Lionettes connected for 23 field goal and were never threatened after grabbing the early lead.