The Woodford County High School boys' basketball team improved its district record to 2-0 with a 66-49 win at Franklin County Friday, Dec. 7. The win was the fourth straight for the Jackets. The Yellow Jacket defense smothered the Flyers and have held their opponents to under 50 points every game this season. "Our locker room was electrifying after the game," said WCHS junior Ashton Myles-Devore. "We know we have room to grow and our work is only just beginning. We have things to clean up, but I know we will get there. I know I have to keep working and be the best I can be for my team." Woodford jumped out to a 9-2 lead on a driving layup by senior Brandon Cromwell and a pair of baskets by fellow senior Ben Nash. After the Flyers called a timeout, the Jackets forced a turnover and Nash nailed a three-pointer to increase the lead to 12-2. The Flyers finished the quarter on a 5-0 run but still trailed 16-7 after one quarter. "It feels great to be 2-0 in the district," said WCHS sophomore Hunter Penn. "Any time you play on the road in this district, you know they want to get in your head. You have to block all of that noise out and play your game. Once we went on a little run early on, we calmed down and we found a groove and controlled the game." The Jackets began the second quarter on an 8-2 run highlighted by a terrific steal by senior Alex Morgan who passed to senior Corey George for a layup. A few plays later, Morgan buried a three-pointer to increase Woodford's lead to 29-13. Morgan hit another shot from beyond the arc before the half, and the Jackets led 32-19 at the half. The Flyers opened the second half with a 4-0 run to cut Woodford's lead to single digits. George sparked a rally for the Jackets when he made a terrific block under the basket and threw an outlet pass to Nash who hit a three to push the Jackets' lead to 12 points midway through the quarter. Senior Justin Alexander scored a pair of baskets late in the quarter, and Woodford led 49-35 heading to the fourth. The Jackets outhustled the Flyers to start the fourth quarter. George dove on to the floor for a loose ball and passed to junior Anthony Tabor who scored on a layup. The Flyers' fouls added up, and the Jackets took advantage at the free throw line, increasing their lead to 16 midway through the fourth quarter. WCHS Coach Ryan Wilson emptied his bench with two minutes remaining. WCHS junior Sidney Mudd knocked down a three-pointer with one minute to play. The Jackets moved the ball around the perimeter to run out the clock. Tabor led the Jackets with 14 points, and George led the Jackets with ten rebounds.
"We aren't playing to the best of our ability, but we played hard enough to get the win," said Wilson. "We talked about that in the locker room, and these guys know what it's going to take to achieve our goals this season. Our toughness is winning us games, and I am pleased with the effort."