Independence – Head Coach Jason Stockner was already going to play minus one of his starters in Hayden Jackson and then stumbled into another pregame challenge in the tip time of the contest.
The team bus departed Hillsville thinking the game was slated to tip at 6:00 pm but once the team arrived they were informed that the start time would be 5:30. Stockner negotiated the best he could at the game tipped of at 5:39.
The combination of the hurried start and two scrappy defenses led to a scoreless game until Dane Leonard scored the initial basket for the Cavaliers on their way to a 33-17 Non-District victory.
The defensive lock down continued until the Blue Devils scored with the clock reading 1:52. Trace Reavis stole a pass near mid-court and scored his second basket just ahead of the horn to give Carroll County (1-1) a 7-4 lead after one quarter. The teams played the second quarter to a 7-7 draw, giving the Cavaliers a 14-11 at the break.
CCHS dominated the third quarter in a manner that could provide a burst of confidence going forward. Blake Reed connected on two 3-pointers and a free throw in the frame in addition to crashing the boards on every possession, leading the team to a 13-2 score in the decisive third quarter. Leonard added four points during the run and finished the night with a game high 11 points. Colton Gravely started in place of Jackson and finished his night with two points along with Landon Kinder tallying 3 points.
Leading 27-13 heading into the fourth quarter allowed Stockner to play every healthy member on his roster. Jayden Jones took full advantage of the playing time, scoring all six of the Cavaliers points in the fourth quarter.
Carroll County will return to action on Thursday night at Fort Chiswell after claiming its initial victory of the season.
Congratulations 👏👏👏 to Coach Stockner and his team!
Still to come – pictures 📷 from Greg Talley, game story on Varsity Boys 👦 plus insight from both Coach Anthony Barnes and Assistant Coach Kris Richardson.
A.S.P.N on The Hill 