A-J goes 3-2 at tournament

The Anna-Jonesboro High School boys’ basketball team advanced to the championship game before losing to Herrin in the West Frankfort Classic Saturday, Jan. 22.

“We just fell a little bit short,” A-J coach Mike Chamness said. “We would have liked to have won a little more, but I think we’re playing better.”

The Wildcats, who finished 3-2 in the Classic, had Brady Wright and Tylor Duckworth selected to the all-tournament team.

Herrin 68, A-J 59: The Wildcats cut the lead to five points twice in the final quarter and could get no closer in the championship game.

The Tigers led 18-10 after one quarter and 35-25 at the half. Herrin led 49-39 going into the final period.

Duckworth led the way with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Wright had 21 points and 14 rebounds. Cody Livesay had 9 points. Travis Smith had 5 points and 4 rebounds. Dalton Baker added 2 points.

The Wildcats were 19 of 43 in shot attempts from the floor, 4 of 13 from 3-point range and 9 of 15 from the free throw line.

The Tigers were 21 of 45 in shot attempts from the field, 6 of 16 from 3-point range and 8 of 12 from the charity stripe.

A-J 65, Johnston City 47: The Wildcats erupted for a 28-11 first quarter lead and were in command 43-24 at the half. A-J led 56-39 going into the final period.

Smith had 21 points and 4 rebounds to lead A-J. Duckworth added 17 points and 12 rebounds. Livesay had 16 points. Wright had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Baker had 3 points.

The Wildcats were 19 of 40 in shot attempts from the floor, 5 of 12 from 3-point range and 12 of 24 from the free throw line.

The Indians were 14 of 34 in shot attempts from the floor, 3 of 4 from 3-point range and 9 of 11 from the charity stripe.

A-J, 10-11 overall, plays Friday at home against Pinckneyville and Saturday at West Frankfort. 

“We have some winnable games coming up,” Chamness said. “It’s not going to be easy. But you want to play your best ball the last part of the season and I think we’re doing that.”