Piedmont (AL – Piedmont wins 70-49 over Saks. Odam scores another triple-double, Pinto gets 22; double milestones in PV. Plus scores and highlights from other games around Calhoun County
BOYS GAMES
Anniston at Ramsay
Cedar Bluff 59, Ashville 46
Childersburg 73 B.B. Childersburg 73, B.B.
Coosa Christian 87, Jacksonville Christian 59
Hokes Bluff 48, Ohatchee44 (OT)
Plainview 57, Gadsden City 38
Pleasant Valley at Ranburne
Piedmont 70, Saks 49
Weaver 67, Wellborn 38
Westbrook Christian 61; Etowah 58
GIRLS GAMES
Cedar Bluff 37, Ashville 23
Etowah 61; Westbrook Christian 43
Jacksonville Christian 55, Coosa Christian 25
Ohatchee, 58, Hokes Bluff 27,
Piedmont 56, Saks 16
Anniston 43, Ramsay 70
Ranburne 61; Pleasant Valley 55
Weaver 41, Wellborn 21,
Al Muskewitz
Piedmont took the lead when Rollie Pinto made a 3-pointer from right side of the court. The reaction from the students under the basket was silence. On the next possession, the Bulldogs took the lead once more when the freshman guard made another shot. He got a few fist pumps from the boys who came to his feet.
The next possessions were continued until Cole Wilson made a 3 from a Rhett Aford kickout. Finally, the student section broke out. They remained on their feet the remainder of the half.
These lambs were silent because of a reason. It was Piedmont’s Silent Night, which was the Bulldogs’ home opener and their last home game before Christmas. This explains all the festive attire. The Bulldogs reached their 10th point. There was one rule: no cheering.
Although it took them a bit longer than they would have liked, the Bulldogs reached the magic number in the second quarter. Then their students had plenty to celebrate with a victory over Saks at 70-49.
Pinto stated, “It’s kinda weird when you photograph it and there’s like nothing.” It doesn’t bother my.
“It’s a silent board game. Everyone’s supposed be quiet. I don’t expect people to stand up when I hit the 3, but I do expect them to. I don’t expect people to be able to move when I’m zoned in.
Although their play was not perfect, it was acceptable for a team that has had four games and four practice sessions. The Bulldogs (4-0), however, gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. Alex Odom recorded his third triple-double in just four games. Rollie Pinto, who scored 22 points and had four 3-pointers, was the Bulldogs’ career high.
Odom’s triple double featured 19 points and 15 rebounds, as well as 10 assists. With less than one minute remaining in the game, Odom completed his double-double by scoring a rebound at 4:34 in third quarter.
He could have gotten it sooner, but he made three great passes to set up his teammates for layups that didn’t go down and will likely do so as the season progresses.
Odam stated, “This is the most fun group I have ever played with.” It’s easy because they can all score. It makes me feel more confident and opens up the floor a lot. It’s fun!”
Pinto has been a Piedmont player since seventh grade, but is a newcomer this year to the varsity team. His scoring has improved in every game this season, with 14 points against Wellborn, 15 against Weaver, and 16 against Albertville just before Monday’s breakout. He scored 11 points in the first quarter, with three 3-pointers.
He said, “I love playing with these men, and especially at home, it is a lot more enjoyable.” It’s your first home game. You’re excited and you want to shoot some shots. It was a bit like trying to figure each other out. But, I believe we’ll become a great team as the season progresses.
“I don’t think we’ve even figured each other yet. That’s still scary. It’s going to be a great team. It’s going be a great team.”
Wilson and Ish Bethel completed the Bulldogs quartet of double-figure scorers, scoring 10 points each.
JoJo Odam, Piedmont coach, said that Pinto “shoots it so well.” He shoots it confidently. It’s rare that anyone has shot it with as much confidence as he does. He brings more to the table than just shooting. We have him as a ball handler and put him on their best player tonight to see if they can guard someone early.
PIEDMONT 70. SAKS 49
SAKS – Jakari streeter 5 0-0 10, Daryus foster 0,0-0 0, Joshua Todd 2 1-2 5, Christian Smith 4 0-3 8 Jayveonne Weeks 1 1-2 3, Tae Elston 3 2-2 8, Anthony Bothwell 5 1 1 13, Keandre Johnson 1 1 0-0 2. Totals 20 5-11 49.
PIEDMONT 4-0 – Alex Odam9 1-1 19, Rollie pinto 9 0-0 22, Ish Betel 5 0-0 10, Colton Proctor0 0-0 0, Rhett Aford1 3-4 5, Luke Rhinehart1 1-1 3, Trevor Rice0 1-2 1, Chance Murphy0 0-0 0, Cole Wilson3 2-2 10, Dontavious Jordan0 0-0 0. Totals 28 8-10 70.
Saks 12 15 10 12 – 49
Piedmont 20 20 15 15 15 -70
3-point goals: Saks 4 – T. Elston 2, Bothwell 2. Piedmont 6 – Pinto 4, Wilson 2. Total fouls: Saks 11, Piedmont 12. Officials: Kelley, Hollingsworth, Jarrett.
HOKES 48, OHATCHEE44: Jake Roberson converted a Kelbecrook pass into the game-tying basketball with four seconds remaining in regulation. However, the Indians lost in overtime.
HOKES BLUF – Landon Davenport 3-6 2-2 9, Ashton Moody 5 4-6 15, Anderson Morgan 0-1-2 0, Anderson Morgan 0-5 4-6 15, John Clark Wetzel 1 2-2 2, Mason Miller 2 0-0 0, Colby Smith 00-0 0, Logan Carr 00-0 0. Totals 14 16-21
OHATCHEE- Eli Teem 10-0 3, Jake Roberts 3 0-1 4, Jesse Baswell2 0-0 5, Carroll1 0-12, Hester1 0-0 3, Jake Roberson3 0-0 6, Nathan Dover1 0-1 2, Kelbecrook5 9-10 19. Totals 16 9-13 44.
Hokes Bluff 9 9 13 9 8 – 48
Ohatchee 6 9 15 4 -44
3-point goals: Hokes Bluff 4 – Morgan, Presley 2, Davenport, Morgan 2; Ohatchee 3 – Teem, Baswell 2, Hester Fouled out by Hester. Total fouls: Hokes Bluff 16, Ohatchee 21, 21. Officials: Pratt, Mallicoat, McCord.
WEAVER WELLBORN 35, The Bearcats had their best start to the season and turned it into their second consecutive win. They opened a 22-point advantage by scoring 28 points in the quarter. Tristan Brown scored 12 points of his 20, while Jeffrey Miles scored 10 in the quarter.
Wellborn scored in waves. Ethan Tidwell scored all fifteen of his points during the second half.
Avery Odom scored six out of seven goals in the first quarter, while Jackson Long scored seven in the second.
Beau Winn, Weaver coach, said that “We did a better job tonight in our press and got some points on turnovers.” “But we did a fantastic job getting touches on offense, and taking direct routes to basket.”
WEAVER- Tristan Brown 8-20 20, Elijah Smith 6-22 14, Dawson Brooks 30-0 7, Payton Martin 3 0-0 7, Jackson Williams 3-1 6, Zack Garner3 0-0 6, Armane Buon 5 0-0 10, Austin Snider1 0-0 2. Totals 30 2-3 67.
WELLBORN – Conner Woodard 0 0-0 0 Avery Odom 3 1-2 7 Jesse Lewis 1 0-0 2 Raymond Williams 1 0-0 2 Ethan Tidwell 6 2-4 15 Jackson Long 4 0-1 9 Trey Downs 0 0-0 0 Totals 15 3-7 35.
Weaver 28 14-17 8 -67
Wellborn 6 7 15 7 7 – 35
3-point goals: Weaver 5 – Brown 4, Brooks ; Wellborn 2 – Tidwell, Long Technical fouls: Burton. Parker. Total fouls: Weaver 9, Wellborn 6. Officials: Stubbs, McGraw, Wood.
Games for Girls
PIEDMONT Terrace Ridley enjoyed what she saw in her team’s first half, and she wanted to see more of them in the second.
Piedmont held Saks scoreless during the third quarter, and only three points in halftime to secure their third straight victory in the area, 56-16. This was their first home doubleheader against the boys Monday night.
Ridley stated, “It was pleasant; they were looking forward opening up with us at home.” It’s always nice to be home, because you know that you can play better. You tend to play better when you are at home so I challenged them to get out there and have a good time and do their best tonight.
They led 21 to halftime and held the Lady Wildcats scoreless for the remainder of the game. Alana Crews scored a free throw in the final quarter.
Ridley said, “The main goal was to run the floors and we were able do that tonight.” They did what I asked them to do in the first and second halves. In the third half, I challenged them to keep up the pace because they likely wouldn’t be there for very long. They were determined to get as many as they could out there while they had the opportunity, and they did a great job.
Lele Ridley and Ava Pope each scored 12 points during the first half. They finished with 16 points and 17 points, respectively. Ridley had six rebounds and three steals, as well as three blocked shots. Pope had four assists and grabbed five boards.
Carson Young scored seven rebounds for the team, while Cayla Brothers pulled in five.
PIEDMONT 56. SAKS 16.
SAKS – Sania Angel 0-2 4 Monterria Christopher 1 2-5 4 Madison Turner 2 1 1 5 Alyah Christopher 1 0-0 0 Jada Foster 1 2-5 5, Madison Turner 2 1 1 5 Madison Turner 2 1 1 1 Camrie Denham 1 1 0-2 3 Totals 6 3-15 16.
PIEDMONT (5-1) – Armoni Perry 1 0-1 2, Ava Pope 6 2-3 16, Josie Young 2 0-0 5, Rylie Anne Holbrooks 0 0-0 0, Jaycee Glover 2 1-2 5, Lele Ridley 5 4-5 17, Cayla Brothers 2 0-2 4, Melanie Studdard 0 1-2 1, Jenna Duke 0 0-0 0, Carson Young 2 0-2 4, Gracie Naugher 0 0-0 0, Morgan Studdard 1 0-0 2. Totals 21 8-17 56.
Saks 4 9 1 2 – 16
Piedmont 14-18 17 7 – 56
3-point goals: Saks 1 (Denham); Piedmont 6 (Pope 2, J. Young, Ridley 3). Rebounds: Piedmont 26 (Young 7, Ridley 6). Total fouls: Saks 15, Piedmont 14. Officials: Jarrett, Kelley, Hollingsworth.
RANBURNE 61: PLEASANT VALLEY 56: Two milestones were reached during the game. Briley Merrill, Ranburne, surpassed the 2,000 point plateau. PV’s Macey ROPER eclipsed 1,000 career points. Roper needed 15 points in order to break the barrier. She scored 25 in this game. Merrill scored 38 points, and now has 2,024 in her career.
OHATCHEE 58. HOKES BLUFF 27, Jorda Crok scored 42 points. This was half of the Lady Indians’ lead at the halftime.
HOKES BUFF – Mary Davenport 0–0 0, Kayla Traylor 1–0 0, Haley Kate Wellingham 2–2 2, Raya Steward 0–2-4 2, Pressley Wall 4–0 12, Emma Doss 2–0-2 4, Ava Doss 2–0 5. Totals 10 2-6 27.
OHATCHEE- Tabi Dandy 1 0-0 2, Whitney McFry 2 0-4 1, Mia Waters 2 0-2 0, Kianna Garber 3 0-2 4, Jordacrook 19 3-4 42 Alyssa Davies 2 0-0 4, Lindsey Zurchin 0 0-0 5. Totals 26 4-10 58.
Hokes Bluff 8 5 9 5 – 27
Ohatchee 11 13 25 10 – 58
3-point goals: Hokes Bluff 5, Wall 4, A. Dodd; Ohatchee 2, (Crook and Zurchin). Technical fouls: C. Dodd and Davidson. Total fouls: Hokes Bluff 13, Ohatchee 11 Officials: Mallicoat, Pratt, McCord.
WEAVER 41. WELLBORN 21. Aaliyah marks scored 13 points, and D.J. Gibbs scored 12 points as the Lady Bearcats won an important area win. Gibbs scored six points in the quarter and nine in halftime as Weaver took a 22-14 lead at the half.
WEAVER Annalynna Canchucaja 0 1-2 1, D.J. Gibbs 3 5-14 12 Ellamae Kines 1 0-0 0, Alayia Da’Ambrosia 2 0-0 0, Iyanna Williams 0-1 0, McKenley Davis 0.1-2 1, D.J. Totals 12 15-41.
WELLBORN – Anna Odom 0 0-0 0 Calla Hayes 0 0-0 0 Layla Amberson 0 0-0 0 Hannah Grubbs 0 0-0 0 Molly Junior 0 0-0 0. Totals 8 5-14 21.
Weaver 10 12 13 6 13 – 41
Wellborn 7 2 5 21
3-point goals: Weaver 2 (Gibbs, Marks). Fouled out Odom, B. Singleton. Total fouls: Weaver 17, Wellborn 28, 28. Officials: Stubbs, McGraw, Wood.
JACKSONVILLE CHRISTIAN55, COOSA CHRISTIAN25: Kara Grave had 25 points and 14 rebounds. She was one of three Lady Thunder scorers as well as three rebounders in double figures. Erin Prater scored 17 points and was within two rebounds of a double double. Rebekah Carter snatched a game record 17 rebounds, while Katie Beth Hudson tallied 10 caroms.
JCA (6-3) – Katie Beth Hudson 0 0-0 0, Addy Lee 2 0-0 6, Rebekah Carter 1 2-4 4, Erin Prater 5 1-1 14, Kara Grace 11 3-10 25, Carlie Chesson 0 0-0 0, Kirsten 2 1-2 6, Peyton Walker 0 0-1 0. Totals 21 7-18 55.
COOSA Ranyiah Duke 1 0-2 2, Kate England 2 00-0 0, Mya Ellen 2 02-4 4, A.J. Holmon 0 0-4 0, Catie O’Bryant 1 0-0 3, Caitlin Cates 4 1-3 10, Malaina Ellen 0 0-0 0, Natalie Depp 3 0-0 6. Totals 11 1-11 25.
JCA 9 20 11 – 55
Coosa 5 9 9 2 – 25
3-point goals: JCA 6, Lee 2, Prater 3, Walker; Coosa 2, (Cates, O’Bryant). Total fouls: JCA 11, Coosa 18. Officials: Shirley, Ingram, Mulkey.
