The Greyhounds’ drive for a spot in the state duals fell short by single digits in Monday afternoon’s region duals with Locust Grove getting by the Greyhounds with a team score of 46-37.
Now, other than next Wednesday’s home dual match against Houston County on senior night, the focus shuffles from chasing team trophies to those of the individual variety. The Greyhounds will head to the region traditional meet on Feb. 1 where the top finishers will advance to the 4A sectionals on Feb. 8 at Cambridge that will serve as the qualifier for the Feb. 13-14 state traditional tournament at the Macon Coliseum.
“We just have to learn from it and come back ready for individual season,” Greyhounds head coach Adam Gillhouse said. “Duals season is done, and it’s time for individuals.”
Jones County took team wins Monday against Woodland and Hampton in addition to defeating Union Grove in the third-place match on a day in which the Hounds were led by David Little, Noah Pieterick, Jacob Skinner and Hunter McCleskey.
In a bit of irony, Jones County would still have a shot at the state duals under the format of two years ago. In that set up, the top four teams from each region were placed in four-team sectionals with each winner advancing to state.
Gillhouse, however, still prefers the current set up.
“I like this format better, as crazy as it sounds,” Gillhouse said. “With this we were in control of what we can do at this next level and don’t have to rely on the draw that we get.”
