The French Camp boys and girls basketball teams were busy last week, each with three Region 5-1A games.
The Lady Panthers were victorious against Nanih Waiya 61-50 and Noxapater 55-22, but were defeated by West Lowndes 72-45. The Panthers defeated Noxapater 61-53 after losses to Nanih Waiya 70-63 and West Lowndes 61-40.
One big quarter was the story for the Lady Panthers in the two wins. Against Nanih Waiya, French Camp jumped out to an 18-7 first quarter lead. Nanih Waiya cut the deficit to 27-19 at the half, but French Camp regained control by outscoring the Lady Warriors 17-10 in the third period and cruised to the win.
Jasmine Bonty had 20 points and 14 rebounds, Jordan Carter 13 points and 13 rebounds for French Camp. Ambria Tubby had a game high 24 points for Nanih Waiya.
French Camp trailed Noxapater 10-7 after one quarter, then took control by outscoring the Lady Tigers 25-1 in the second quarter.
French Camp coach Polly LeVert talked to her players after the first period. “I just kind of got their attention. They weren’t doing the things they were supposed to be doing. Between quarters, I got them to realize what they were doing.”
Grace Ann Wade had 18 points for French Camp, Bonty and Carter 12 each. Asia Glass, a freshman, scored 12 points for Noxapater.
The loss to West Lowndes was not surprising considering the opponent. West Lowndes is the proverbial juggernaut. “They’re just tough.” LeVert said.
The Lady Panthers of West Lowndes were 17-0 prior to a Tuesday game with Nanih Waiya. The closest game was 59-49 against New Hope, a 5A school. In Region 5-1A play, West Lowndes is 7-0, the closet game being a 58-36 win over French Camp January 14.
Last week’s results left French Camp fourth in 5-1A with a 3-4 record.
BOYS
C.J. Johnson and Darrion Smith, both juniors, have supplied the bulk of the scoring for French Camp this season. Finding a third consistent scorer has been a problem.
“Those two score because of their athleticism,” said coach Robert Leathers. “Trying to find a third player who is confident to hit the open shot is coming. It just hasn’t gotten here yet.”
He said the other three starters – Coleman Mackenzie, Macon Bentley and Ethan Chesser – have improved significantly during the season, Mackenzie is a junior, Bentley and Chesser sophomores.
Smith had 27 points and Johnson 20 against Nanih Waiya. Tyquan McCully scored 27 for the Warriors.
Against Noxapater, Smith scored 23 points and Johnson 18. After the first quarter ended 12-12, the Panthers took control by outscoring the Tigers 21-11 in the second period.
Smith had 13 points, Mackenzie 11 and Johnson eight in the loss to West Lowndes. French Camp trailed only 30-23 at the half, but West Lowndes pulled away after intermission.
“Defensively, we have to play better and harder. But the kids are growing up,” Leathers said.
The results left French Camp in third place in the region with a 3-4 record, half game ahead of Nanih Waiya and McAdams both 2-4. Ethel led the region at 6-0, followed by West Lowndes 6-1.
The Panthers and Lady Panthers played Ethel Tuesday and will be on the road for non-region games with Sebastopol Friday. The regular season concludes next week with games at McAdams Tuesday and home games with Nanih Waiya Thursday for Senior Night.
The region tournament at McAdams begins Feb. 11.
