WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Having lost their last two games before the tournament, Houston County was looking to get back on track against Valdosta: their first opponent at Bear Brawl. Houston County managed to jump out to an early lead in the first, going up 16-9. Their defense was giving Valdosta problems. Antwun Zeigler had a big block as Houston County was trying to send a message early.
Valdosta had a bid second quarter on offense, however, dropping 18 points. Following the offensive outburst, Valdosta took the lead by one at halftime, 27-26. Valdosta finished with eight blocks on the night, and their defense was keeping Houston County off balance. The Bears’ offense got things going in the second half, and Houston County was showing good transition skills as Malachi Jackson and Darius Patterson scored on fast-break buckets, and they were winning 44-41 going into the fourth quarter.
Valdosta managed to take the lead in the fourth, and Houston County started heating up from behind the arc. Jackson hit several threes, and Colby Selter also hit a three-pointer, but it was not quite enough as Houston County fell by one, 63-62.
In their next game, on Saturday, Houston County played Bleckley County. The Bears started out fast, with Jackson hitting a three and Selter scoring on a fast break. They took a 10-point lead into the locker room at halftime, leading 25-15. In addition to their offensive production, the Bears were making plays on defense, forcing several turnovers that led to baskets.
Jackson hit another three-pointer in the third, and Houston County was up by 10, 31-21, but Bleckley County came roaring back in the fourth quarter. They were outrebounding the Bears, and they went on an eight-point run, and several baskets came on big dunks, pumping up the Bleckley County crowd. Houston County’s defense had no answer for Bleckley County in the fourth, and they lost by three points, 50-47.
After losing their first two games of the tournament, Houston County took out their frustration on Central, thrashing them 62-42. Their defense had 16 steals on the way to victory. Houston County will try to keep the momentum going when they face Perry after Christmas at home. That should be an interesting game as Perry has been coming on as of late.
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