Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Despite a pair of tough losses over the last two weeks, the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys varsity basketball team remains at the top of the Class 1A, District Five rankings. The Cowboys now have an overall record of 9-3, with a 6-0 record in district play.
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Cowboys hosted their closest district rival, the Bulldogs of Taylor County High School. The Cowboys went out to an early 14-6 lead in the first quarter and continued to build on that lead throughout the first half. The Cowboys had a 40-16 advantage heading into halftime. The Bulldogs were able to cut into the Cowboys' lead during the third quarter, but the Cowboys continued to lead, 54-35, at the end of the third quarter. The Cowboys were able to keep their lead until the end of the contest, which ended with a 70-42 Cowboy win.
Zechariah Jones led the Cowboys in scoring with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Jamie Hampton also had a double-double, with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Next, the Cowboys went on the road to Lake City to face the Columbia County Tigers on Thursday, Jan. 14. The Cowboys played tough in the first period, which ended in a 12-12 tie. The second quarter remained close, with the Tigers pulling ahead 32-30 at halftime. The Tiger opened their lead slightly in the third quarter, but the game remained close with the Tigers ahead, 46-41 going into the final period. The Cowboys attempted to catch the Tigers, but in the end, the Tigers managed to hold off the Cowboys to seal a 60-56 win.
Zarrion Robinson led the Cowboys with 18 points and five rebounds. Jones chalked up another double-double with 11 points, 14 rebounds and four steals.
The Cowboys finished out the week in Perry, Fla., with a rematch against the Bulldogs of Taylor County High School on Friday, Jan. 15. It was another dominating performance by the Cowboys, as three different players scored in double-digits. The Cowboys established their dominance early in the contest and held a 10-point, 21-11, lead at the end of the opening period. The Bulldogs were able to chip away at the Cowboys' lead, but as halftime approached, the Cowboys were still in control, 33-25. The Cowboys continued to exert their will on the Bulldogs and at the end of three quarters, the Cowboys were comfortably ahead, 55-37. During the final period, the Cowboys opened their lead even further and finished the contest with an 80-44 win.
Robinson turned in a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Jones had another double-double evening with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Johnathon Akins added 14 points to the Cowboys' efforts.
On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the Cowboys were on the road again. This time to Quincy, Fla. to face the Bobcats of Robert F. Munroe High School. The Cowboys were not quite able to work their magic against the Bobcats and suffered a 53-45 defeat. The Cowboys were playing catch-up for much of the contest after the Bobcats established a 15-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Bobcats continued to extend their lead for the rest of the first half, and held a 32-21 advantage at intermission. The Cowboys mounted a bit of a comeback during the third period, which ended with the Bobcats still in the lead 40-34. The Bobcats continued to hold the Cowboys at bay and finished the game with a 53-45 win.
On Friday, Jan. 22, the Cowboys went to Mayo to face the Hornets of Lafayette High School, with the hopes of remaining undefeated in district contests. It was another dominating performance by the Cowboys, as they emerged victorious, 73-35. The Cowboys wasted little time establishing their dominance over the Hornets, going up 19-7 in the first quarter. The Cowboys continued to outpace the Hornets during the second period and held a 37-13 advantage at halftime. During the third period, the Cowboys showed little sign of slowing down and held a comfortable 51-26 lead going into the final period. Soon after the final quarter began, the clock was continually running and the Cowboys had doubled the Hornets' score, 73-35, when the final buzzer sounded.
Four Cowboys scored in double-digits, led by Jones with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Akins had 12 points for the Cowboys. Joseph Jackson and Jamie Hampton each scored 11 points.
The Cowboys ended the week in Monticello for a game with another district foe, the Tigers of Jefferson Somerset Academy. Once again, the Cowboys were the dominant team, chalking up their ninth win of the season, 81-32. The Cowboys went out to another quick 24-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Cowboys continued their high-pace during the second period and held a 48-20 lead at halftime. The Cowboys continued their pressure during the second half and the score was 68-27 after three quarters. The final period moved quickly with a running clock and the Cowboys continuing to outscore the Hornets and had an 81-32 score when the contest ended.
The next home contest for the Cowboys is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 29. The Cowboys will be looking to avenge their earlier loss to the Tigers of Columbia County High School. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.