Massac defeats A-J in 2A regional play

Anna-Jonesboro let a first-quarter lead slip away in a 60-51 loss to Massac County in the Class 2A high school boys’ basketball regional tournament at Carterville Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The Wildcats led 12-9 after one quarter. The Patriots fought back to pull ahead 24-20 at the half.

In the third quarter, A-J’s Cody Livesay made a 3-pointer to pull the Wildcats to 34-31 for as close as they get the rest of the way.

Massac County went on a 13-3 run after that to pull ahead 41-34 at the end of three periods.

“We couldn’t handle their pressure,” A-J coach Rob Wright said. “They were too quick for us. We turned the ball over too many times.”

A-J had 19 turnovers to Massac County’s 13.

“We knew we had to take care of the basketball to be in it,” Wright said. “They were just better than us that night.”

J.R. Woodward scored 12 points and had 7 rebounds to lead the Wildcats. Brady Wright added 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Livesay had 7 points. Jordan Adams added 6 points and a rebound. Gabe Pecord had 6 points. Tylor Duckworth had 5 points and 2 rebounds. Jacob Brimm and Travis Smith had 3 points apiece.

The Wildcats were 10 of 23 in shot attempts from the floor, 8 of 17 from 3-point range and 3 of 6 from the free throw line.

 The Patriots were 20 of 29 in shot attempts from the field, 4 of 12 from 3-point range and 11 of 16 from the charity stripe.

The Wildcats closed out their season at 16-14.

“Our goal this year was to have a winning season,” Wright said. “They haven’t had one of those in several years.

“But we have something to build on for next year,” Wright said.

The Wildcats lose Jordan Kern, Adams, Nick Bound, Pecord, Jesse Webb and Woodward to graduation.