The Jones County girls and boys each managed only one victory in their annual Christmas tournament last week, but both Lady Hounds coach Lance Pittman and Hounds coach Dennis Woolfolk say they remain optimistic about the second half of the season.

The Jones County girls lost to Elbert County 46-32 in their opening game of the 22nd annual State Bank Holiday Classic on Thursday, rebounded to down Central 62-56 in their second game on Friday, then were whipped 73-40 by Dublin in their final game on Saturday. The Lady Hounds are now 4-7.

The Jones County boys beat Elbert County 71-67 to open the tournament but then fell to eventual champion Central 53-45 in the second round and lost to Salem 58-52 in the consolation game on Saturday, falling to 5-6 on the season.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t do better (in the tournament), especially in that last game. I really hoped we would put up more of a battle,” Pittman said of the Lady Hounds. “But I feel really good about the progress we’ve shown overall. I think we can do well in the region, and I think we have a lot to work with after seeing the way our younger girls have improved,” Pittman said.

“I think we’ll start trying a little younger lineup more – the three freshmen who have played well for us all year (Travia Rawlings, Nicala Williams and Krystal Wimberly), plus (sophomore Adora) Chatfield at point guard with our senior Jalisa (Hammock) at forward.

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week's newspaper or subscribe to our e-Edition at http://ee.jcnews.com.

---