After the long holiday break, the Fannin Co. Rebels (4-9, 0-5 Region 7-AAA) traveled to Hiwassee Dam on Friday, Jan. 3, for a non-conference game to get ready for their region matchups next week. Fannin Co. defeated Hiwassee Dam the first time they played each other this season and hoped to do the same this time around. The Rebels came ready to win as everyone on the team played and scored leading the team to a 62-31 victory.

Cohutta Hyde was the one to get things started as he drew a foul and made a free throw to give the Rebels an early 1-0 lead. Hyde showed off his great ball handling skills for the night as he drove past the defense and scored seven points overall. The Eagles quickly stole the lead as they banked a 3-pointer. Jordan Bennett followed the trend as he made an outside shot of his own to give the Rebels a 4-3 lead. Bennett got after it as he added nine points to the Rebels’ score for the night. The Rebels were able to play great defense and took a 19-9 lead over the Eagles to end the first quarter. 

Landon Norton not only had a great game on offense where he hustled and added five points to Fannin Co.’s score, but also on defense where he took multiple charges. Fannin’s defense proved to be effective as they double-teamed and were able to earn steals to drive back for layups. Andre Bivens was a prime example of this as he beat the defense up the court to contribute nine points to Fannin Co.’s score. The Rebels were on fire in every aspect of the game as they went into halftime with a 35-16 lead over Hiwassee Dam. 

Jordan Bennett shooting a 3 point shot

Despite the Eagle’s press, Fannin Co. was able to move right past it and look inside to their posts for points. Jalen Ingram had spin moves on the block to lead the Rebels in scoring for the night with 12 points. Miles Johnson was able to push back the defense as he earned three points from the block. Brady Martin followed the trend as he had grit and drew a foul to make a free throw to add to Fannin Co.’s score and close out the third quarter with a 48-26 lead.

Fannin Co. had a fresh group go into the fourth quarter to finish out the game strong. Tucker Hanson put the ball into action and scored five points for the Rebels. Hanson had good looks up the court as he made a pass to Jerritt Holloway to score a layup as part of his six points. Derrick Peacock showed off his moves on the block as he scored a basket to add to Fannin Co.’s score. To close out the game, Eli Brisbay-Cochran hit an outside shot to close out the 62-31 victory. 

The Rebels win puts their overall record at 5-9 and the Eagle’s at 3-7. Fannin Co. takes on Greater Atlanta Christian at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7, in Norcross for a big Region 7-AAA game.