A-J falls to Du Quoin 70-55 in league pla

Connor Wheeler scored 35 points, including 4 3-pointers, to boost host Du Quoin to a 70-55 win over Anna-Jonesboro in Southern Illinois River-to-River Mississippi Division Conference high school boys’ basketball action Friday, Jan. 14.

Wheeler opened the game by hitting three 3-pointers to give Du Quoin a early 13-2 lead. The Wildcats fought back to pull to 19-10 after one quarter.

After Travis Smith opened the second quarter for A-J with a 3-pointer, Connor countered with his fourth 3-pointer. The Indians were ahead 31-22 at the half and led 48-37 going into the final period.

Brady Wright scored 16 points and had 9 rebounds to lead the Wildcats. Travis Smith added 14 points and 2 rebounds. Tylor Duckworth had 11 points and 9 rebounds. Cody Livesay had 9 points and 5 rebounds. Dalton Baker added 5 points.

The Wildcats were 18 of 38 in shot attempts from the floor, 4 of 13 from 3-point range and 7 of 12 from the free throw line.

The Indians were 22 of 36 in shot attempts from the field, 4 of 12 from 3-point range and 12 of 18 from the free throw line.

The Wildcats, who fell to 7-9 overall and 0-5 in the league, play this week in the West Frankfort Classic.