GIRLS BASKETBALL
Third in the region standings and one game out of second place, the Lady Greyhounds entered this week having won eight in a row. A 63-41 triumph over Elbert County in a winter showcase continued to build up a strong steam of momentum for Jones County, Jones County kept the Blue Devils off balance across the floor, with four players having at least eight points, led by Mya Epps’ 13 points and Carlie Skinner’s 12. That was backed up by the 9 and 8 points of Amaris Ridgeway and Shania Bryant. The Lady Hounds gained the edge in the paint by way of Madison Maxwell’s 8 rebounds.
In addition to balanced scoring of late, the Lady Hounds have also gotten strong support off the bench from their freshmen, a group including Aubrey Norris, Marley Hinson, Autumn Coleman and Kammiya Adams.
“It’s a good feeling as a coach when you can pull kids out and when something happens and tell someone, ‘go get her,’“ Lady Greyhounds head coach ChoRhonda Gwaltney-Harris said. “Our freshmen are very tough-minded and know what they are doing.”
With an overall record of 11-3 and 3-2 in the region, JCHS goes back into the logjam of region play on Friday against Dutchtown, which along with Eagles Landing is one game behind the Lady Greyhounds in the region standings. Jones County had a foul fortune of facing the region’s two top teams early, Warner Robins and Union Grove. The Lady Hounds lost both matchups by a combined six points, and if Jones County is to be in the running for a region title to end the regular season, wins over one, if not both of those teams will likely be needed.
Speaking of Union Grove, it’s the Lady Hounds next game following this Friday’s Dutchtown matchup. Then, three straight home games against Locust Grove. Eagles Landing and Warner Robins, a stretch ending Jan. 27 will wrap up the home slate of the region schedule.
