Columbus North traveled to Jennings County in desperate need of a win to avoid losing its sixth consecutive game.
The Bull Dogs (6-6) relied heavily on its two seniors Stephon Peters-Smith and Alex King to will the team to a 71-58 victory against Jennings County. King came through with a 30 point game and 11 rebounds, shooting 11 of 13 from the field. North coach Paul Ferguson said Peters-Smith played his best game ever in a Bull Dogs uniform to help North with the 71-58 win against Jennings County.
“His defense was phenomenal,” Ferguson said. “His communication helping on that ball screen up top was outstanding.”
Peters-Smith was North’s main defensive force, but he also added 10 points and seven rebounds to the game. It was a back and forth game for the entire first half as North began with much more energy and presence than it did the night before against Terre Haute North. Peters-Smith’s defensive intensity was contagious early on.
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“I felt like I was in my zone a little bit out there,” Peters-Smith said. “ Hopefully I can have some more games like that. Me on the defensive end and Alex King bring a lot of energy we were able to get this win. I’m pretty proud of myself and of my team.”
The Bull Dogs went into halftime with a slim lead after King’s 3-point buzzer beater gave North a 32-29 lead going into the locker room. A 15-2 run to start the third quarter helped create some distance as they began to pull away. Jennings County was looking at a 16 point deficit by the start of the fourth quarter and it grew to 22 after six unanswered points by the Bull Dogs.
Jennings County (9-3) switched its defense to a full court press allowing it to go on a run late to cut the lead to 11. Ferguson said one of the main reasons why his team was able to finish the game the way it did was because the players executed the scouting report well, which was something they struggled to do the night before.
“I think this is a great game to beat a very good team on the road,” King said. “It turns our whole season around…We still have stuff to work on and there is still room for improvement, but I think we can get on a roll and win these next couple of games.”
Tyler Vogal was the high point man for Jennings County, ending the game with 21 points while Nick AmRhein and Kennieth Jones both had nine points apiece.
