CORDOVA — Thursday's game between Cordova and Carver middle schools wasn’t over until Jamison Jones said it was.
With the home Cavaliers trailing by one point and the clock winding inside 10 seconds in the fourth quarter, Jones drove the lane to deliver the game-winning shot. Cordova would pick up its third win of the season by a final score of 50-49.
Head coach Gerald Ratliff noted he was proud of his team’s effort, especially “after trailing the majority of the game.” At one point in the fourth quarter, Cordova trailed by double-digit points to the Eagles.
But it was Jamarion Wall who would help lead the late-game charge that set up the Jones layup. Wall finished with 20 points in the game, scoring his final seven points in the pivotal fourth quarter.
Jones’ game-winner would be the final of his 11 points in the contest. Scoring 17 points for the Cavs was Isaiah Lockhart and Karson Thomas netted two points and picked up a team-high 12 rebounds.
“Everybody contributed in the big win yesterday,” Ratliff said. Cordova will look to stay near the top of the SEMSAC standings when it hosts Rockingham (3-1) on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Ellerbe teams suffer road losses
It was a tough week for the Ellerbe Middle School basketball teams, which both lost their second game of the week at Sandy Grove Middle School on Thursday.
Two days after losing to Rockingham at home, the Lady Wildcats lost to the Lady Panthers 45-8.
Adena Gibson would lead the team with three points, while teammates Taniya Chandler and Symone Terry added two points each. Rounding out the scoring was a free throw from Melissa Morales.
Sandy Grove scored 18 points in the first quarter, helping put the game out of reach early. The Lady Wildcats are now 0-4 to start the season.
In the boys’ game, the Wildcats put up a tougher fight, but were still on the losing end of a 49-23 decision.
Freddy Hill would net 15 points in the loss, scoring three points in the first quarter before adding 12 points in the second half. Dalan Utley was second with five points on two field goals and a free throw. Conner Utley also added two points in the loss.
Ellerbe struggled in the first half, collecting just four points. But the Wildcats (1-3) made a late run at the Panthers, scoring eight points in the third and 11 points in the fourth.
Both Ellerbe teams will travel to Anson Middle School on Monday to play the Bearcats. The girls game will start at 4:15 p.m.
