Wildcats fall twice in weekend action

Anna-Jonesboro struggled last weekend in high school boys’ basketball, losing two games.

“We’re not playing very well,” A-J coach Mike Chamness said. “We’re not taking care of the basketball.”

Massac County 58, A-J 32: The host Wildcats couldn’t recover from a first quarter deficit in the loss Saturday, Dec. 17.

The Patriots were ahead 14-6 after one quarter and 36 -12 at halftime. Massac County led 53-23 after three periods.

Brady Wright scored 12 points to lead the Wildcats. Travis Smith added 8 points, Noah Fuller and Jarid Veronesi 3 each and Caleb Mixen, Tyler Vaughn and Andrew Nixon 2 each.

The Wildcats were 8 of 30 shooting from 2-point range, 3 of 13 from 3-point range and 7 of 10 from the free throw line.

Pinckneyville 58, A-J 35: The Panthers had a big first quarter on their way to the win over the host Wildcats Friday, Dec. 16.

Pinckneyville led 19-6 after one quarter and 34-13 at halftime. The Panthers were ahead 53-23 going into the final stanza.

Smith scored 8 points to lead A-J. Wright and Cody Garver added 7 points each, Nixon, Mixen and Vaughn 4 each and Jay Kemp 1.

The Wildcats were 8 of 21 from 2-point range, 1 of 8 from 3-point range and 16 of 21 from the charity stripe.

The Panthers were 22 of 41 from 2-point range, 2 of 7 from 3-point range and 8 of 16 from the free throw line.

“We have to figure out a way to take care of the ball,” Chamness said. “This time of year, you want to be able to get the ball down the floor.”

A-J, 3-5 overall and 0-2 in the Southern Illinois River-to-River Mississippi Division Conference, is scheduled to play Friday at Sparta and Monday, Dec. 26,  at 3:15 p.m. against Norris City-Omaha-Enfield in first-round action of the Eldorado Holiday Tournament.