By Michael Lindsay
35-Point Effort From Jacob Amonett Leads Bobcats To 76-62 Victory Over Stone Memorial
The Pickett County Bobcats (15-5) won their sixth consecutive game Saturday evening as they defeated the Class 3A #5-ranked Stone Memorial Panthers (16-6), 76-62.
“I thought we played exceptionally well, but not as good as we can,” said Pickett County head coach Joseph Amonett. ”
Senior point guard Jacob Amonett led the way with 35 points along with 16 from Eli Reagan, all coming in the second half.
“We shot the ball really well the second half,” said Amonett. “We really move the basketball and average over 20 assists per game. Tonight, we moved it well.”
“I thought Lyric Parris was outstanding tonight; he was our unsung hero and our unselfishness is the heartbeat of our team. It took plays like he made tonight to beat a great team like Stone Memorial.”
Stone Memorial was led by 30 points from Cade Capps and 22 by Jack Cordell.
“Cade’s a fantastic scorer and scores at all three levels,” said Amonett. “The guy that’s guarding him has to be able to play through him making tough shots. Cole Amonett guarded him as a freshman and he did a great job at executing our game plan.”
A Cole Amonett three-pointer late in the first quarter gave the Bobcats a 20-18 lead after one period. The Bobcats held their advantage throughout the second quarter as they took a 36-30 lead into halftime.
The Bobcats caught fire from three-point range in the third quarter as Reagan hit three three-pointers along with one by Cole Amonett as the Bobcats extended their lead to 53-41 entering the fourth quarter.
Stone Memorial cut their deficit to 8 points (60-52) via a Capps three-pointer with 4:08 remaining, but got no closer down the stretch as the Bobcats pulled away to win by a 76-62 final score.
Up next for the Bobcats is a District 7A road game in Celina as they travel to face the Clay County Bulldogs (12-4, 3-2) on Tuesday. Pickett defeated Clay County 76-41 on Jan. 9. Stone Memorial is set to host York Institute on Tuesday.
Lady Bobcats Cruise To 73-44 Victory Over Stone Memorial
The Pickett County Lady Bobcats improved to 17-3 overall Saturday evening as they defeated the Stone Memorial Lady Panthers, 73-44, behind 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from point guard Zoey Nicholas.
A Kortney Headrick basket with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter gave Stone Memorial a 9-8 lead over the Lady Bobcats, but Pickett County responded as they reeled off a 10-0 run over the rest of the quarter to take an 18-9 lead after one period.
Pickett County kept rolling in the second quarter as they scored 18 points in the frame to take a 36-15 lead into the locker room.
The Lady Bobcats kept their foot on the gas the second half as they led 55-28 after three quarters before winning by a 73-44 final score.
Up next for Pickett County is a trip to Celina on Tuesday in District 7-3A play while Stone Memorial hosts York Institute in non-district action.