Ed Duncan
MNJ Sports
While Mitchell’s student body was busy with semester exams last week, the varsity basketball teams were active on the court, securing victories in three of their four matchups.
Strong start against Owen
Tuesday marked a successful beginning to the week, with all four Mountaineer teams winning against Owen in Western Highland Conference action. The varsity men, overcoming a slow start in the first half, rallied to score sixty-two second-half points, defeating the Warhorses 92-86. This victory balanced the Mountaineers’ conference record at 1-1 and brought them to an overall 3-3.
The Lady Mountaineers, led by junior Anaya Jackson, secured their first season win with a commanding 72-55 victory over the Warlasses.
Challenges against Patton HS
On Thursday, the Mountaineers faced off against non-conference opponent Patton High School in the final games before the Christmas break. The JV and varsity girls’ teams achieved wins, while the men’s teams experienced closely contested defeats.
The varsity women quickly gained a 40-9 halftime lead over the visiting Panthers and secured a victory. The team, led by player of the game Emma Cook, with substantial support from junior Lauren Ringwood and freshman Addison Gregor, celebrated their two-game win streak. First-year head coach Hannah McIntosh praised the team for their selfless play and effective ball-sharing. The Lady Mountaineers will return to tournament action next week at Swain and resume conference play at Draughn on Jan. 5.
The men’s team engaged in a tight battle against Patton, with junior Ian Ledford scoring eleven of his sixteen points in the first half. Despite strong performances from seniors Dillon Bennett and Connor Warren, both scoring 12 points, the Mountaineers trailed 58-54 with thirty seconds remaining. Patton’s clutch free throws secured them a 63-56 victory over Mitchell. The loss places the Mountaineers at 3-4 for the season as they prepare for next week’s holiday tournament, featuring matchups with Swain, Hiwassee Dam, and Andrews.