Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
For the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys varsity basketball team, 2021 is off to a good start. The Cowboys improved their overall record to 4-1 after posting victories in their first three contests of the New Year.
On Friday, Jan. 1, the Cowboys went on the road to Bell, Fla. to face the Bell High School Bulldogs. The Cowboys had three players score in double-digits to post a 60-45 win over the Bulldogs. After a close 11-9 opening quarter, the Cowboys expanded their lead to carry a 32-17 advantage into halftime. The Cowboys were able to add to their lead slightly in the third quarter and post a 47-30 advantage after three quarters of play. The Bulldogs attempted to chip away at the Cowboys' lead but were unable to do much more than keep pace in the waning moments of the game. The contest ended with the Cowboys enjoying a 60-45 lead.
On Saturday, Jan. 2, the Cowboys were home for a contest with a long-time rival, the Bulldogs of Suwannee High School. In a tough, physical match, the Cowboys were able to pull out a 47-31 victory over the Bulldogs. The Cowboys opened an early lead with a 17-6 first quarter score. The Cowboys were able to keep the Bulldogs at bay during the second period and carried a 27-15 lead into the locker room at halftime. The Cowboys expanded their lead slightly during the third quarter and the score was 35-21 when the final period approached. The Cowboys finished strong to secure the 47-31 win.
Joseph Jackson led the Cowboys with 16 points, including a nice pick off of an in-bound pass that he turned into a quick two points. Jackson also had six rebounds and two steals. Zarrion Robinson had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Zechariah Jones was good for seven points and 14 rebounds.
On Monday, Jan. 4, the Cowboys went on the road again. This time it was in a westward direction to Crawfordville, Fla. to face the War Eagles of Wakulla High School. The Cowboys fell behind in the opening quarter and the War Eagles held an 11-9 lead after the first quarter. The Cowboys were able to bounce back and tie the score at 24 at the halfway mark. The Cowboys opened up the score in the third period, outscoring the War Eagles, 19-8 to take a 43-32 lead going into the final period. The War Eagles chipped into the Cowboys' lead, but Madison County was able to hold on and win the contest, 53-43.
Jones had another big game with a double-double to lead the Cowboys with 20 points and 21 rebounds. Nicholas Simmons chalked up 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys will return to their home court on Friday, Jan. 8, for a district contest against the Hornets of Lafayette High School. The action begins with the Cowboys junior varsity game at 3:30 p.m., followed by the varsity Cowgirls, then the varsity Cowboys. All three games will take place in the MCHS gymnasium.