[RAYMOND, MS] The Muddy River Counselors and the Jackson Victors matched up at Hinds Bee Hall in Raymond for the first of the two cross-town rivalry games the teams will play this season.
Heading into the game, the Counselors were heavily favored as they were on a 6-game winning streak. Jackson however, was sitting solidly in the #4 spot in the conference with a 4-2 conference record.
Prior to the 18U game, there were 14UB and 16UB games. The 14U game was highly anticipated with both teams being undefeated. The game was close for a while, but Muddy River pulled away in the fourth to secure the 34-23 victory.
The 16UB game was not that way. The Counselors ended the first quarter with a 28-4 advantage and stormed to a 64-16 win over the struggling Victors 16UB team.
The 18UB game started off slow for a couple of possessions but the Counselors got into form. Jackson had an extra focus on guarding the three pointer. But the Counselors just attacked the basket and scored at the rim. After the first period, Muddy River led 30-8, adding yet another 30-point quarter to the list of this impressive season.
The second quarter was more of the same for the Counselors, except Jackson began to score more, with John White getting some buckets down low. Halftime came and the Counselors held a 30-point lead, 56-26, at halftime. Most of the second half was running clock, but Muddy River kept scoring. Ethan Veverka came off the bench nailing three-pointers and overall the Counselors bench was exceptional in the ball game.
By the end, the Counselors were close to breaking the scoring record again, the one set only a week ago against the Laurel Knighthawks with 92 points. Mark Johnson came through with four breakaway layups at the end to notch the 93-point mark and beat the Jackson Victors 93-50.
Luke Sanders led the Counselors with 29 points on the game. Sun Michael Williams and Caleb Sanders each finished 15 points as the Counselors rolled to their seventh straight win.
Jackson got some good play from their top two players in Jude Williams and John White. Williams finished with 21 points and White with 15.
The Muddy River Counselors (9-2)[5-1] will head to Forest on Thursday evening to take on the Scott County Flames, who they defeated 80-45 on opening night.
