The Cannon County Lionettes and Lions fresh off coming back from the Marlin Christmas Classic Basketball tournament in Florida didn’t waste anytime getting back out on the floor. The basketball teams took the new four lane highway to McMinnville Saturday to play in their last non district game of the season against Warren County. In the girls game, the Lionettes saw the lead exchange 9 times in a close game throughout the first half but a flurry of Cannon County baskets in the third quarter allowed Cannon to grab an 11 point lead and the Lionettes hung on to win 57-52. Kendra Maynard led all scorers with 16 while Erin McReynolds scored 13 and Kelli Davis added 11. The Lionettes grabbed their 15th win of the year heading into the final two months of the regular season and a long stretch of games against District 8-AA opponents. The Cannon County Lions looked a little sluggish to start the boys game against Warren County. The Pioneers were able to take advantage of that sluggishness and at one point led in the first half by 15 23-8. Cannon would trim the lead down in stretches but was still in danger of losing the game starting the fourth quarter down by 13. The Lions found their second win as their signature full court press which was ineffective through the previous 3 quarters dominated the fourth quarter as the Lions completed the comeback and won 50-46. Jacob Nave, who was invisible in the Lion offense in the first half scored 11 of his 13 points in the final half. Josh Ruehlen kept the Lions in the game most of the night, was able to hit the free throws needed to preserve the win. Ruehlen finished with 21 points. Both teams will finally get to play in front of the home crowd Tuesday as District opponent Upperman comes to town. Game time Tuesday will be at 6:00
