Athens off to a perfect start
Bluejays start season ranked eighth in state
oved r ys Fresh off a program first WIAA D-5 regional title, the Athens Bluejays 201920 campaign is off to a perfect start after the ‘Jays moved to 3-0 with a pair of road wins.
The ‘Jays hot start to the new season is turning some heads, with Athens receiving some statewide recognition o- g , s me eche he as the ‘Jays enter the regular season ranked eighth in the state in Division 5.
“People are starting to realize what Athens basketball is all about. We’ve been trying to build it up and I guess they are seeing it now.”
Cameron Ford
“People are starting to realize what Athens basketball is all about,” senior center Cameron Ford said. “We’ve been trying to build it up and I guess theyre seeing it Athens senior
now.”
Not that the ‘Jays really care about rankings - what they really care about are the wins and making improvements.
Athens picked up a road win over Newman Catholic on Friday, 68-55, and followed it up on Tuesday by stopping a scrappy Colby Hornets squad 60-43.
Friday’s game with the Cardinals saw Cooper Diedrich put up big numbers, scoring 20 points. Ford continued his tremendous start, scoring 32 points.
That one-two punch was on display on Tuesday night, as well as some hot shooting from the three point arc.
Diedrich had 10 points, and Ford added 16, but it was Javon Penney, who came up answers on offense as the Hornets double and triple teamed Ford in the post.
Penney connected on four threes for 14 points, and they were crucial in giving the ‘Jays momentum. Give Colby credit though. The Hornets stood firm, and battled from 15 back to make it a 47-41 game, but the ‘Jays regained the momentum with stingy dfense, holding the Hornets to just two points in the final six minutes of the game for a 60-43 victory.
When asked if he thinks this team could go further than last year’s squad, Ford was coy.
“Possibly,” Ford said. “I think we’re playing better than we have been. People are starting to know we’re the team to beat, and they want to beat us.”
