Strong play allowed the East Jackson Eagles pick up wins against Oglethorpe County and Fannin County last week, but a Friday night loss to Jefferson landed the Eagles solidly in second place in the sub-region with a 5-4 record going into play this week.
The Eagles will host Oconee County on Saturday, as the Warriors look for traction themselves in region play.
Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Oglethorpe
Last Tuesday, East Jackson hosted the Patriots of Oglethorpe County.
The first half was back and forth, Oglethorpe holding a slim two-point lead, 28-26, at the break.
Early in the third quarter, a baseline dunk by Brandon Garrett got things rolling as the Eagles outscored the Patriots 21-11 in the quarter, then widened the gap by as much as a 16 points lead during the fourth quarter.
The Patriots made a late charge, however, closing to within six points with about a minute left to go. Some clutch free throws by the Eagles gave them a little breathing room, as they went on to win 69-61.
Jefferson
Friday featured the first of two region contests between East Jackson and the Jefferson Dragons.
Jefferson entered the game undefeated in the region and may have figured the Eagles wouldn’t give them much competition.
That was not the case.
East Jackson came out swinging, and held an early lead, 16-12, at the end of the first quarter. Jefferson recovered to take a 32-28 lead into the half.
For more on this game and other East Jackson basketball see the Jan. 27 edition of The Commerce News and The Jackson Herald.
