CCHS falls to Van Buren

DAVID HUNTER
The Cannon Courier

The roar is back for the Cannon County High School basketball teams as they tipped off the 2015-16 season against Van Buren County on Thursday, November 19 at Robert A. Harris Gymnasium.

The Lions are looking to take the final step to state after missing out last season, while the Lionettes began the Jonathan Odom era. However, both teams were swept by Van Buren County High School to start the season.

The Lionettes were up first against the Eaglettes led by UTC signee Lakelyn Boulden. Also, the injury bug has hit CCHS, including returning starter Autumn King out with concession like symptoms.

During the second half, CCHS cut the lead down to 54-43 after a couple of free throws by senior Kelli Davis with 6:18 left in the third quarter. Boulden then blocked junior Samantha Gaither's shot and the Eaglettes hit a trey to pull away for good.

Boulden finished with 19 points for the victors, while Davis led the Lionettes with 26 and Maleah Scott added 13 in the losing effort.

The Lions were dealing with key injuries to Bo Bryson and Austin Brock keeping both players out of the game. At the start of the second quarter, junior Anton Knox made a basket to tie the score at 12, but the Eagles answered with a 10-0 run and never looked back for the 64-47 win. Senior Briar Jakes led the Lions with 20 points.

Both teams head to Warren County on November 24, before hosting the non-district Mitch Wilson Classic on November 27 and 28 at Cannon County High School.