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Macon County Opens Basketball Season

Macon County High School basketball got underway on Tuesday Nov 17th with a Hall-of-Fame game against Clarkrange.

The Clarkrange girls returned all five starters from a team that made it to the Class A semi-final state championship game, just like the Tigerettes. In the 2019 HOF game at Clarkrange the Tigerettes won 59-51.

The Tigerettes came out very tight and made a few turnovers, falling behind 11-18 after the first period. Despite 11 fouls by Clarkrange in the first half, the Tigerettes were able to attempt only five free throws in the first half. Both teams made runs and Macon was able to close the gap to trail 22-23 at the half.

Then Jalynn Gregory took over.

The 5’10” senior guard started raining threes, leading the Tigerettes to a 20 point third quarter and a ten point lead at 42-32 heading into the final period. The Tigerettes hit all of their free throws down the stretch, hitting 4 of 4 in the 3rd and 8 of 8 in the 4th, to hold off a very talented Lady Buffalo squad. Final score Macon 59 Clarkrange 46.

Scoring was: Jalynn Gregory 32, Saranda Woodson 10 with 12 rebounds, Taylor Ward 6, Emily Ashburn 5, Abby Shoulders 2, Graci Scott 2, and Allie Thompson 2. The Tigerettes (52%) out-shot the Lady Buffaloes (37%) and attempted 12 more free throws, making seven more as well.

The Tigers look to return a young squad but currently have two projected starters out. However this young team seemed to come ready to play. Both teams were shooting the ball well early and the score was tied 15 all heading into the 2nd period. The Tigers made 9 of 13 free throws, combined with pressure turnovers by the Buffaloes, and Macon would lead 30-23 at the break.

The Tigers would push the lead to 33-23 early but then Clarkrange woke up. The Buffaloes simply made more shots from the field than the Tigers. Clarkrange would rally back from being down 10 to leading 48-45 at the end of the third period. Macon had a period late in the game when they simply couldn’t get a basket to fall and were forced to foul late. Clarkrange would make all eight of their free throws in the final five minutes to take home the win. Final score Clarkrange 67 Macon 57.

Scoring was: Connor Johnson 21, Kenny Wilder 17, Dalton Hudson 7, Dawson Shrum 6, Rawley Ritchie 4, and Cody Cothron 2. Jack Hogin, Brady Driver, Isaac Kirby, and Cole Owens all played but did not score.

This week Macon County is scheduled to play at Westmoreland on Nov 24th and the boys are scheduled to play at the Picket County Classic on Nov 27th and 28th.