Tuesday evening, Nov. 13 saw unusually cold temperatures in Camden but the weather did little to hamper the excitement of the Lions’ fans attending the homecoming festivities at Camden Junior High School. The night began with a boys B game where Huntingdon gained what would be their only win of the night.
Homecoming activities began with the walking out and presentation of the CJH Basketball and Baseball teams, cheerleaders, team managers and statisticians. Fans stood as CJH cheerleaders Livie Medlin and Ally Capps sang the National Anthem.
When the CJH homecoming royalty was announced, Bailey Morris was crowned as queen by Beau Smith. First Maid Adalyn Furr was escorted by Karson Goodwin, while Second Maid Elli Reynoldson was escorted by Allan Zyla.
The Lady Lions took the court and began a fast paced match against the Fillies.
Huntingdon’s aggressive defense kept Camden out of the paint for the first half, forcing them to take most of their shots outside during the first two quarters of play. The Lady Lions struggled to put points on the board, and at half time went to the locker room with just two points.
When the game turned around early in the third quarter, it was clear that Coach Heather Morris infused her team with fresh determination entering the second half. Camden’s defensive game was intense but controlled, only allowing Huntingdon 2 points over the first six minutes of play while the Lions added 20 points to the scoreboard. Late in the third quarter, Bailey Morris sank a three pointer then turned around to sink another three early in the fourth. When the final buzzer sounded Camden won 33-16.
Homecoming Queen Morris scored an outstanding 18 points, followed by Second Maid Reynoldson hitting double digits with 12 points, and Trinity Woodard contributing 3.
The boys warmed up for what would be another fast paced game. Coach Shane Morris’ team took the court facing the Mustangs coached by Brandon Sims, a former Camden Lions player.
To start the game, Goodwin won the jump, and left the Huntingdon defense scrambling to slow the fast-moving Camden team. Wasting no time, Kaden Story quickly hit three shots from the inside, while Beau Smith hit a 3-pointer, exciting the crowd.
The first quarter ended with Camden at 16 to Huntingdon’s 8 points. The second quarter proved to be the most challenging for the Lions, as Huntingdon’s defense ramped up the aggression and the Mustangs foul count began to grow. By quarter’s end, Camden only managed to add 6 more points, reaching halftime with 22.
Camden turned up the heat for the third quarter. Tucker Jackson scored early in the third quarter, setting up a streak he took into the fourth. In just under 10 minutes of play, Jackson added 12 points for the Lions. Wizdom Laws hit three-pointers in both the third and fourth quarters. When time ran out, Camden had outscored Huntingdon 57 to 53.
Four Lions scored in double digits, led by Goodwin with 14, Laws with 13, and Story and Jackon with 12 each. Both Zyla and Smith added 3 points each.
