Pioneers Escape Jackson with a 54-50 Win
Article presented by Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau …
After being humbled by Unioto in a key battle for the Scioto Valley Conference lead last Friday, the question entering Tuesday’s non-conference bout with Jackson was “How would the Pioneers respond?”
The result was a 54-50 ZT win.
“I thought our kids answered the challenge and played extremely hard, played for one another” said Zane Trace head coach Tyler Cassiday. “It was a tough practice Saturday morning… we just talked about how you finish is really gonna rebuild your character. Our pride was hurt. We talked about tonight, you have a great opportunity to come back and put some pride back in your school and what’s on your chest.”
Zane Trace jumped ahead 12-7 through the first period and maintained that margin for most of the first half as Jackson struggled with its perimeter shooting. The Ironmen were empty on seven attempts from beyond the arc through the first 16-minutes and trailed 18-15 at the intermission.
The second half displayed runs by both teams. Jackson caught up to open the period and held a lead 27-26. Landon Jarrell put the Pioneers ahead on a pair for free throws, then ZT caught fire the final 1:45 of the third. Jarrell, Landon Robinson, Grady Stewart and Noah Houston combined to bury six three-pointers and put Zane Trace ahead 40-29 through the third period completing a 14-2 run.
After the game, Stewart said the Pioneers like to work their offense to find Gunnar McCullough on the low block. “If we move the ball really well, he’s usually wide open for a layup or something, but if not, then someone else is open for a shot.” McCullough led the Pioneers with 13-points.
At that point, it appeared the boys from Kinnikinnick were going to put the Ironmen away. However, Jackson started to find its stroke from the field, slowly whittling away at the lead. Trailing 50-39 with three minutes remaining, the Ironmen mounted its charge. The never-say-die-effort by Jackson combined by difficulty at the free throw line for Zane Trace allowed the Ironmen to close to 51-50 with less than a minute left. The Pioneers were 7-of-14 from the line down the stretch while Jackson used an 11-1 run to close the gap.
Stewart sank three free throws to allow the Pioneers finally put the game away.
Zane Trace improves to 16-3 overall and returns to SVC action in a home match with Huntington Friday. The Ironmen slip to 13-5 and travel to FAC foe Washington Friday.
SCORING:
ZANE TRACE (54): Gunnar McCullough, 13; Landon Jarrell, 12; Noah Houston, 12; Grady Stewart, 9; Ezra Rippeth, 5; Landon Robinson, 3.
JACKSON (50): Charlie Woodard, 21; Jax Carroll, 9; Stephen Jenkins, 7; Bodhi Wolford, 6; Ryan Seimetz, 4; Garrett Legg, 3.
