Banks Spanks: Fannin Falls in Both Games

The Fannin County High School Lady Rebels and Rebels’ basketball teams hosted the Lady Leopards and Leopards of Banks County High School. It was an 0-2 day for the home teams, as the Lady Leopards pulled out a four point 42-38 win, and the Leopards leaped all over the Rebels 45-23.The Lady Leopards leapt out to an early lead behind the strong post play of Kaitlyn Duncan (9 points, 10 rebounds) and Raylor Kennedy (14 points, 6 rebounds). Fannin found itself on the short end of a 13-4 game at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was not much better for the home team, as Fannin was held scoreless over the last five minutes of the half. The Lady Leopards used a combination of press defense and a paint packing zone defense to frustrate Fannin’s offense. At half time Banks led 22-11.

The third quarter saw the both teams’ defenses dictating the pace as only two points were scored in the first three and half minutes of the quarter, Fannin’s Hope Cochran’s put back basket just after the five minute mark. Cochran tied with Duncan for the game lead in rebounds with 10. The Lady Rebels’ defense was able to hold Banks to only five third quarter points, allowing the home team to cut the lead to seven, 24-17 going into the fourth quarter.

Fannins’s fourth quarter heroics fell short, as the Lady Leopards held on to win 42-38. Morgan Chastain came off the bench to lead the Lady Rebels in points with nine.

The boys’ game began as a back and fourth affair, with the Leopards leading 9-5 with 1:37 left in the fourth; however, a 9-0 run by Banks saw the Rebels down 18-5 at the end of the first quarter.

The offensive woes continued for the Rebels, as the Leopards’ press played cat burglar. Banks finished the game with an 11-7 advantage in steals. Banks outscored Fannin 12-4 in the second quarter to take a 30-9 lead into half time.

Fannin failed to cross the half court on its first two second half possessions. The Leopards pressing paws picked the Rebels’ pockets, putting pause to the Rebels’ offense. Banks was able to hold Fannin to seven third quarter points, resulting in the visitors leading 37-16 at the end of three.

The fourth quarter saw both teams clear the bench, as Banks cruised to a 45-23 victory. Luke Adams and Austin Rhodes tied for the team lead in points with eight a piece. Will Patterson led in rebounds with seven.