Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

— www.MainStreetNewsSports.com — December 4, 2008 The Banks County News Justin Poole, Sports Editor 706-367-2348, direct line 706-387-5418, FAX justin@mainstreetnews.com WRESTLING Grapplers have strong showing at Madison Co. BY JUSTIN POOLE The Banks County High School Grapplers have started their season pick ing up wins at the Madison County Duals. The team kicked off the season Nov. 25 competing at Madison County against the Red Raiders and against Franklin County. Banks County scored 60 points over Madison’s 14 points. Winning grapplers against Madison include Nathan Holloway, Stephen Giles, Paul Newell, Jeremy Green way, Jared Gregory, Demetric Dempson, Tram anc Mayfield, Jordan Waters, Viet Pham, Justin Fincannon and Avery Tench. The Mat Leopards then competed against Franklin County. Banks scored 71 points to Franklin’s 12 points. Winning grapplers against Franklin include Nathan Holloway, Wesley Angel, Paul Newell, Jeremy Green way, Jared Gregory, Demetric Dempson, Tramane Mayfield, Jordan Waters, Viet Pham, Justin Fincannon, Avery Tench and Travis Betts. Tuesday, the Banks County wrestlers host ed Oconee County, Hart County and Winder- Barrow. Full results were unavailable at press time. See Wrestling on page 2B 08-09 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Lady Leopards take seven point victory BCHS over Lakeview in hard fought game BY JUSTIN POOLE The Banks County High School Lady Leopards are two and two, four games into the season. Monday night the Lady Leopards won a narrow victory over Lakeview Academy. The girls played a much better game compared to the previous game against Jackson County. Banks County’s next game is on the road at Rabun County Friday night. The game starts at 7 p.m. The Lady Leopards are hoping to break tradition and pick up a win over the Lady Wildcats, an accomplish ment that has not happened in several seasons. Coach Jerry King said that he hopes facing Jackson County prepared the girls to face Rabun, since both schools run a press and the Lady Leopards will have to break through. After Friday’s game against Rabun, the ladies return Saturday to host Jackson County. A schedule change for Saturday starts the varsity ladies tip-off at 2:30 p.m. Also on Saturday, the C-team boys game starts at 10 a.m., followed by JV girls at 11:30 a.m. and JV boys at 1 p.m. C-team girls do not play on Saturday. Lakeview Rematch Banks County played a hard game against Lakeview See Lady Leopards on page 3B BCHS Basketball @ Rabun County, Friday, 7:00 p.m. BCMS BASKETBALL BCMS girls start strong with wins BY JUSTIN POOLE The Banks County Middle School girls’ basketball A team has started off the sea son on a high note with three wins. The girls participated in a pre-season tip-off tour nament between Jackson County and Banks County, Nov. 21 and 22. The Banks County girls’ team took first place, over runner-up West Jackson and third place East Jackson. Kings Bridge also competed in the tournament. Banks carried a 46-4 win over Kings Bridge, for the first round victory, then went 31-26 for the championship win over West Jackson. Coach Steven Shedd said that the tournament provided an excellent start for the team and that this season should provide some exciting games to watch. Monday, the girls’ A team went 52-5 over Commerce. Shedd said that it was a great win for the team and he was very pleased with the effort from the girls. The girls A team will host Lakeview at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Monday Banks County showed a lot of defensive aggression and forced several turnovers according to Shedd. Several girls were able to play in Monday’s game and See Three wins on page 2B Leopards ready for Rabun after 30-point loss to Lakeview BY JUSTIN POOLE The Banks County Leopards are getting ready to face Rabun on Friday. Coming off of an opening win at the Jackson County Thanksgiving Tourney, followed by a loss to Lakeview at the home opener. Banks County is ready to move forward and pick up wins at the next two games. First up, on Friday, is Rabun County hosting the Leopards with tip-off for the girls’ game at 7 p.m., fol lowed by the Leopards. Saturday, Banks County hosts Jackson County. The ninth grade girls’ C-team will not play, but the boys play at 10 a.m. followed by the JV girls at 11:30 a.m. The JV Boys take the court at 1 p.m. with the varsity Lady Leopards tip ping off at 2:30, with the varsity boys to follow. Jackson County In the final round of the Thanksgiving Tourney hosted by Jackson County, Nov. 25, the Leopards took Jackson County for a 62-56 ride. Jackson County took an early lead going 11-7 in the first quarter, but that did not last as Banks took a three- point lead in the second eight minutes going 29-26. The Panthers were refusing to go down without a fight and fought to regain ground, but the Banks County defense kept them trailing 44-39. “Our defense was very aggressive and we forced a lot of turnovers,” said coach Mike Ruth. The bleachers roared on either side as the fourth quarter ticked away and each team was trying to score. Jackson County dug its own grave by fouling out Leopard players who had a good showing from the line scoring 13 of 19 in the fourth quarter. A six-point advantage was enough to secure the Banks County 62-56 win. According to coach Ruth, the team forced around 28 turnovers during the game, which is a key part of the Banks strategy to overcoming tough opponents. "Our chemistry was good,” said Ruth. "We had about eight of the nine kids who played to score. We are pleased with our effort.” See Basketball on page 3B .THANKSGIVING WINNERS The BCHS Leopards brought home the first place trophy after defeating Jackson County 62-56 during the JCCHSTourney. =& i Photo by Justin Poole Tanger'Town Centre Value Shopping at its Best! Goody's Family Clothing • Black & Decker • Paper Factory Hibbett Sports * Kitchen Collection • Old Navy * And More! Commerce, GA * 1-85, Banks Crossing, Exit 149 • 706-335-3354 Monday-Saturday 9-9, Sunday 12-6 * www.tangeroutfet.com Enjoy our WEEKLY OFFERS at Tanger Town Centre *5 OFF any puchase of $25 or more Valid at Liu: Tanger Town Centre licalion only. Expires 12-21-08