Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
The Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys basketball team is primed for another successful season on the hardwoods this year. The Cowboys will be looking to defend their Class 1A District Five championship and improve on last season's 20-6 record. Of course, the larger goal is making a return trip to Lakeland, Fla. for the "Final Four" in Class 1A and possibly another state title.
Seniors Zarrion Robinson and Zechariah Jones will be key in providing much needed leadership and experience on the court. Robinson is not afraid of physical play and is always willing to lay it on the line, as evidence in his 20 charges taken last season. Robinson has helped lead the Cowboys to two trips to Lakeland already, including a state title in 2019, during his sophomore season. Last season, Robinson averaged 9.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Jones led the Cowboys in scoring and rebounding last season, with eight rebounds per game and 15 points per game. Jones was also part of the last two Final Four teams for the Cowboys. "This guy just outworks the opponent and refuses to lose," said Cowboy Head Coach Allen Demps of Jones.
A couple of younger players to watch are Jamie Hampton and Jonathan Akins. Hampton has great speed and led the team in assists and steals last season as a freshman. "He's a year older and a year smarter," said Coach Demps. "I'm looking for this kid to establish [himself] as one of the better guards in the area." Akins should give the Cowboys a much-needed deep shooting threat from the perimeter, as well as quality defensive play.
Other players who could factor heavily for the Cowboys include Joseph Jackson, who could add another perimeter shooting threat and Nicholas Simmons who, at 6' 2", is one of the bigger players on the team and can be a presence on the defensive end of the court.
Cowboy hoops fans can expect an entertaining, fast-paced brand of basketball from the team. "We will hang our hat on the defensive end and look for ways to score a lot of points in transition," added Coach Demps.
The Cowboys season will get underway at home on Friday, Dec. 11. The junior varsity Cowboys, varsity Cowgirls and varsity Cowboys will all three be in action against the Bulldogs of Taylor County High School. The Junior Varsity game will tipoff at 4 p.m., in the MCHS gymnasium.