Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Both the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys and Cowgirls had a successful evening at home against the basketball squads from Lafayette High School on Friday, Jan. 8. The Cowboys’ varsity team defeated the Hornets, 74-28, while the Cowgirls had similar success by defeating the Lady Hornets, 50-26.
The Cowboys began the contest with a 9-0 scoring run and had a 14-2 advantage at the end of the opening period. The Hornets were able to cut into the Cowboys' lead to begin the second quarter with a 9-0 scoring run of their own. The Cowboys responded and by the time intermission rolled around, the Cowboys had a 35-16 lead. The Cowboys opened their lead further during the third quarter by forcing several turnovers and effective transition scoring. By the end of the third quarter, the Cowboys were firmly in control, 62-20. During the final period, the Cowboys continued to outpace the Hornets to a 74-28 final score.
Three different Cowboys scored in double-digits, with Zechariah Jones leading the way, chalking up another double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Joseph Jackson scored 12 points by shooting 50 percent from three-point land. Nicholas Simmons had 10 points and six boards for the Cowboys.
In the Cowgirls' game, it was a closer contest early with the Cowgirls holding a slim 12-9 lead after the first quarter. The Cowgirls opened their lead further during the second period to carry a 32-16 lead into halftime. Scoring stayed close during the third period and the Cowgirls continued to enjoy a 42-24 advantage after three quarters. The Cowgirls were able to hit cruise-control during the final period as the Cowgirl defense held the Lady Hornets to just two points in the final period to win the contest, 50-26.
Janiya McKnight led the Cowgirls with 23 points and eight rebounds. DaKayla Hopkins scored seven points and snagged 11 rebounds for the Cowgirls.
The Cowgirls have one remaining home game on their schedule. That will be a game with P.K. Yonge High School, from Gainesville, Fla. That game is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m.
The next home game for the Cowboys is set for Friday, Jan. 29, against the Tigers of Columbia County High School. Tip-off for that contest is set for 7:30 p.m.