The undefeated streak of the Cannon County Lions during the month of January almost came to a screeching halt Friday night in Carthage at Smith County High School. The Owls looking for their fourth consecutive victory against District 8-AA opponents hung with the Lions and never let them do anything that would get them a big lead and run away with the game like they’ve done in the past three games. After slugging it out for three quarters and remaining in the game, the Owls would get a small cushion of a lead thanks to several turnovers by the Lions but Cannon would fire right back. Cannon was able to clinch the game late in the fourth quarter thanks to a couple of missed crucial free throws by Smith County that would’ve tied the game with 20 seconds left. Josh Reuhlan gave the Lions a four point lead on the next possession after Smith was forced to foul Reuhlan knocked down two free throws and Cannon stayed one step ahead to win the game 54-51. Reuhlan had a game high 22 points to lead Cannon. The Lions improved to 20-5 overall and 9-1 in district play. The last time the Cannon County Lionettes met the Lady Owls of Smith County, Cannon County blew a 9 point lead with two minutes left and lost to the Lady Owls. Friday night the Lady Owls didn’t allow Cannon that luxury of ever getting a big lead as Callie Hackett knocked down a game high 29 for the Smith County team. The game was close through two quarters as Smith took a 36-34 lead into the locker room but then Cannon got off to a slow start in the third and was outscored 22 to 7. That was the deciding factor in the game as Cannon outscored Smith 14 to 10 in the final frame. The Lionettes lost 68-55. Autumn King led the Cannon County team with 22 points. The Lionettes dropped to 17-7 overall 4-6 district play. Next up for the Cannon County teams will be a home game vs York Institute Tuesday night.
