By Allen Hamrick
The CCHS Panthers’ season came to an end this past week as they took on Scott in the first game of the regional tournament. This would turn out to be a tough game for the Panthers as Scott is one of the top AA basketball teams in the state. Scott came out fast and started putting points on the boards and the Panthers were holding their own, but it just got out of hand. The Panthers were moving quickly but having some trouble handing the ball over to Scott. Both teams were fast and had plenty of looks at the basket, but Scott was getting more in the hoop.
At the end of the first half, the score stood at 34-42 with Scott having the advantage. When the second half started, Scott opened up the back forty and started hitting threes across the fence consistently. The Panthers had a tough time returning the favor. In the end, it was Scott over the Panthers 99-60. Don’t let this score fool you because in this game, and for the entire season, the Panthers fought every game with full intensity and all out high speed, in your face basketball, and you can’t ask for more than that.
Every game was well worth the money, and for most of each game, the action set you on the edge of your seat. It may not have been a winning season for the Panthers, but keep in mind this is a rebuild season with new sheriff in town – head coach Justin Holcomb. This Panther team will get better and better, and within a couple of years, will be at the top of the food chain on the courts once again. Top shots in the game were Collin Elliott with 17 points and Noah Collins with 12.
The season has ended for the CCHS wrestling team, too. The boys travelled to Huntington to take part in the State Wrestling Championship this past weekend. Three wrestlers from CCHS competed in the annual event. It was to be a tough competition for the Panthers and for most who wrestled. This year it seemed that every wrestler was made of the same salt and to get through each round was like wrestling for your life.
The team – Blake Coleman, Caiden Bryant and Christian Bryant – all had a good showing and racked up some wins. The CCHS wrestlers had a good tournament and finished their season on a high note by getting to the big dance in Huntington. It may have not been the outcome they hoped for but a good run none the less.
With these seasons ending, indoor sports have come to a close, and it can only mean one thing – outdoor sports, spring, warm weather, fishing, and yes, baseball and softball. The shoals in the mighty Elk River will turn to small jaw heaven and bend the poles of the fisherman who will line the banks. Baseball and softball are gearing up, as well, with both the CCHS and CCMS holding tryouts and picking teams. There is some real talent in this year’s teams all around the diamond, and it will be a great season to be sure.
Track practices at both schools are well underway, and team selection is all but finished with meets coming up soon. Clay County will indeed be the place for spring and summer action, and there will be lots to do to get us out of those winter time blues. So, shake the spiders out of those lawn chairs, put batteries in the boom box, and clean the mold out of the coolers, you don’t want to miss all the opportunities this county has to offer. No excuses, the great outdoors of Clay County are heating up.
