The French Camp boys basketball team split two Region 5-1A games last week, leaving the Panthers tied for third in the six-team district with a 2-2 record. French Camp defeated McAdams 49-35, but lost to West Lowndes 61-54.
The Panthers started slowly against McAdams, coach Robert Leathers said. “But we kind of wore them down and finished well. It just took us a while.”
C.J. Johnson had 18 points including six of seven from the line. Derrion Smith added 11 points.
Leathers was pleased with the team's effort against West Lowndes. “We're playing hard, which is what I enjoy. They really like each other and they are playing as a team.”
Johnson had 24 points and Smith 15. Darrell Brooks, a freshman, led West Lowndes with 18 points.
Prior to games Tuesday, West Lowndes led the region with a 4-0 record. Ethel was 3-1, French Camp and McAdams both 2-2, Nanih Waiya 1-3 and Noxapater 0-4.
The Panthers and Lady Panthers played Nanih Waiya Tuesday and have home games Thursday and Friday with West Lowndes and Noxapater. West Lowndes was rescheduled from December 16 due to severe weather.
GIRLS
The Lady Panthers are 1-3 in region play following losses to West Lowndes 58-36 and McAdams 68-48. French Camp led McAdams 24-23 at the half, but was outscored 20-5 in the third quarter.
West Lowndes was 4-0 in region play prior to Tuesday, McAdams and Ethel 3-1, French Camp and Nanih Waiya 1-3 and Noxapaer 0-4.
McAdams will host the region tournament for boys and girls beginning Feb. 11. The top four teams from the region tournament advance to the state playoffs beginning Feb. 17 for girls and Feb. 18 for boys. The top two play first round games at home.
