Basketball Recap: Alexander Central Takes a Loss

If Alexander Central was feeling good fresh off their 59-29 takedown of Ashe County last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Alexander Central Cougars took a 55-43 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Watauga Pioneers on Tuesday. The Cougars were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Pioneers earlier this season, when they won 68-65.

Despite the loss, Alexander Central still got an impressive performance from Jayon Connor, who posted 24 points and four steals. Connor's evening made it 11 games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Koa Mikeal, who had nine points.

Watauga's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Cade Keller, who earned 13 points along with six assists and six boards. Keller is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last three games he's played. Jace Blocker was another key player, going 7 for 9 en route to 16 points.

Alexander Central's defeat dropped their record down to 10-10. As for Watauga, the win (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 14-6.

Alexander Central will challenge South Caldwell at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. South Caldwell knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past seven matchups -- so hopefully Alexander Central likes a good challenge. As for Watauga, they will head out on the road to square off against Hibriten at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Watauga is facing Hibriten at the right time seeing as Hibriten is stuck on an eight-game losing streak.