Cannon boys slay York Institute

JAMESTOWN - Jarrett Melton’s last visit to York for a high school basketball game will rate among his most memorable.

Melton turned in a double double with 15 points and 10 assists to lead Cannon County to a 61-54 District 8-AA road win against the Dragons Friday (Jan. 18). Combined with his 10 assists, Melton was responsible for more than half of the team’s offense.

The win enabled the Lions to solidify their hold on the fourth spot in the 8-AA standings.

Cannon County (10-11, 4-3) climbed to within one game of third-place Upperman and opened up a two-game lead on fifth-place York.

Cory Henley led the Lions with 21 points and Tanner Larson poured in 14 points as Cannon County put together back-to-back league wins.

“Our players put together a solid all-around effort and they were rewarded with a big district road win,” Cannon County Head Coach Matt Rigsby said. “This was one 

of those games were we had consistent defensive effort throughout.”

It was one of Cannon County’s better shooting games.

The Lions were 24-of-48 from the field for 50 percent and they were 5-of-8 from 3-point range for a sizzling 63 percent.

Henley’s long-range shooting keyed Cannon County’s efficient percentage from beyond the arc. Henley connected on all four of his 3-point attempts. The reaminder of the team was 1-of-4.

Larson was a machine down low. He was 7-of-9 from the field for his 14 points.

The Lions had 17 assists on their 24 field goals with Melton leading the way with 10.

“We did a good job of moving the ball and finding the open man,” Rigsby said. “It was one of our better shooting nights but when you are moving the ball and making good passes and smart decisions you end up taking more high percentage shots. Jarrett did a good job not only finshing shots, but also getting the ball to his teammates in position to finish shots. That’s how you dish out 10 assists.”

The Lions controlled the game from the outset. They jumped out to a 15-8 first-quarter lead and stretched it to 35-21 by halftime.