The Madison County High School Cowboys' varsity basketball team fought tooth and nail with the Oak Ridge Pioneers out of Orlando, during the Cowboys' final game in the Macohi Invitational Tournament on Dec. 22. The Cowboys lost a squeaker in overtime by a score of 62-61.

The Cowboys and Pioneers were even at 13-13 after the first period.

The second quarter saw the Pioneers going on a tear and leading 35-27 at halftime.

At the end of three, Oak Ridge led 49-37.

The Cowboys fought back in the fourth quarter and took the game to overtime, with regulation play ending tied at 54-54.

In overtime, the Pioneers scored one more point than the Cowboys.

Marty McDaniel was the leading scorer for the Cowboys with 17 points. McDaniel also had two rebounds and a steal.

Chris Brown had 11 points and three rebounds in the game.

Stephen Watts scored five points and had a rebound in the game.

Bryan Williams had eight points and a steal.

Devontay Williams had four points and four rebounds.

Jermaine Hart had eight points, two rebounds and a steal.

Brandon Vought had two points and two rebounds.

Tre Arnold had four rebounds.

Octavious Fayson had three rebounds and a steal.

The Bishop Moore Hornets, out of Orlando, stung the Madison County High School Cowboys varsity basketball team by a 65-53 score in a game playing in the Macohi Invitational Tournament in Madison.

Bishop Moore led at the end of the first quarter 15-14.

In the second quarter, the Cowboys fought back to take a 30-26 lead in to the locker room.

Bishop Moore outscored Madison County 18-11 in the third quarter to take a 48-37 lead.

The Hornets outscored the Cowboys in 21-12 in the final quarter to sew up the game.

Marty McDaniel was the leading scorer for the Cowboys with 14 points.

Octavius Fayson had 11 points.

Keith Thomas had four points.

Chris Brown scored four points.

Stephen Watts canned two points on two free throws.

Devontay Stephens had three points.

Jermaine Hart had two points.

Tre Arnold had four points.

The Aucilla Christian Academy junior varsity Lady Warriors clobbered the final two opponents of 2010 to now stand 9-2 on the season.

On Dec. 13th, Aucilla squared off against North Florida Christian and the Lady Warriors came out on top of a 35-18 victory.

Ashli Cline bucketed for seven points.

Brooke Kinsley netted three points.

Brooke Kinsey targeted for eight points.

Pamela Watt targeted for nine points.

Ashley Schofill bucketed for eight points.

Dec. 17th, the Lady Warriors hit the hardwood against Bronson and Aucilla clobbered their opponent for a 33-7 win.

Fulford scored one point.

Cline bucketed for five points.

Kinsley targeted for four points.

Demott netted for four points.

Kinsey scored three points.

Ashley Hebert bucketed for four points.

Watt targeted for six points.

Schofill bucketed for eight points.

The JV Lady Warriors return to the courts in 2011 against Lincoln, Jan. 4 at 5 p.m., away; Perry Middle, Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m., home; Madison, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m., home; Westwood, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m., away; Madison, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m., away; Maclay, Jan. 27 at 4 p.m., away; and winding up the season, Madison, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m., away.

The Aucilla Christian Academy varsity Warriors basketball team split the past two games to now stand on a 3-6 season.

The Warriors hit the hardwood against Malone, Dec. 10, and was downed for a 60-42 loss.

As a team Aucilla hit 10 of 28 attempts from the field, two of 11 attempts from the three-point zone and dropped in 16 of 25 attempts from the free throw line for 42 points. They collected 10 assists, eight offensive and 18 defensive rebounds for a total of 26 rebounds, with seven block/steals and 21 turnovers.

Tyler Jackson missed four attempts from the field, missed two attempts from the three-point zone and sank three of five attempts from the free throw line for three points. He had two assists, two offensive and two defensive rebounds for a total of four rebounds, with one block/steal and three turnovers.

Marcus Roberts missed four attempts from the field and dropped in two of five attempts from the three-point zone for six points. He had two assists, two offensive and two defensive rebounds for a total of four rebounds, with four turnovers.

Brandon Darnell bucketed three of six attempts from the field for six points. He had six assists, three offensive and three defensive rebounds for a total of six rebounds, with two block/steals and four turnovers.

Kent Jones hit one of five attempts from the field, missed two attempts from the three-point zone and dropped in two of two attempts from the free throw line for four points. He had one defensive rebound with two block/steals and two turnovers.

Corey Burrus missed one attempt from the three-point zone and targeted seven of 12 attempts from the free throw line for seven points. He had five assists, two defensive rebounds, one block/steal and four turnovers.

Clark Christy sank two of two attempts from the field, missed one attempt from the three-point zone and dropped in two of four attempts from the free throw line for six points. He had one offensive and four defensive rebounds with three turnovers.

Josh Funderburke targeted four of seven attempts from the field and two of two attempts from the free throw line for ten points. He had one assist, four offensive and four defensive rebounds for a total of eight rebounds, with one block/steal and one turnover.

On Dec. 13th, Aucilla squared off against Seven Hills and the Warriors flattened their opponents for a 74-40 victory.

As a team, the Warriors targeted 23 of 52 attempts from the field, sank five of 13 attempts from the three-point zone and dropped in 13 of 27 attempts from the free throw line for 74 points. They collected 14 assists, 23 offensive and 26 defensive rebounds for a total of 49 rebounds, with nine block/steals and 16 turnovers.

Jackson sank one of two attempts from the field, and two of three attempts from the free throw line for four points. He had eight assists, three defensive rebounds, with one block/steal and three turnovers.

Roberts sank two of seven attempts from the field; hit two of five attempts from the three-point zone and two of four attempts from the free throw line for 12 points. He had one assist, three offensive and three defensive rebounds for a total of six rebounds, with three block/steals and four turnovers.

Darnell bucketed four of eight attempts from the field and four of eight attempts from the free throw line for 12 points. He had four offensive and five defensive rebounds for a total of nine rebounds, with one block/steal.

Jones hit one of four attempts from the field and missed one attempt from the three-point zone for two points. He had four defensive rebounds, with four turnovers.

Jay Finlayson missed one attempt from the field and targeted three of six attempts from the three-point zone for nine points. He had four assists, one offensive and one defensive rebound for a total of two rebounds, with two block/steals.

Burrus bucked four of 11 attempts from the field, missed one attempt from the three-point zone and sank four of eight attempts from the free throw line for 12 points. He had one assist, four offensive rebounds, with two block/steals and eight turnovers.

Christy targeted six of 13 attempts from the field and one of three attempts form the free throw line for 13 points. He collected eight offensive and seven defensive rebounds for a total of 15 rebounds and a double-double, with one turnover.

Funderburke netted five of eight attempts from the field and missed one attempt from the free throw line for ten points. He had three offensive and three defensive rebounds for a total of six rebounds and no turnovers.

The Aucilla Christian Academy Middle School young Warriors came out of the past four games with four additional victories to remain at an undefeated 6-0 season.

The young Warriors hit the hardwood against Seven Hills November 29 and Aucilla bounced their opponent for a 34-12 win.

Nick Roberts bucketed for eight points and had three rebounds. Coach Drew Sherrod said that Roberts shot at 80 percent from the floor during the game.

Austin Bentley netted for six points and snagged six rebounds.

Timmy Burrus scored six points, had three rebounds and three assists.

The young Warriors hit the hardwood against Maclay November 30 and Aucilla doubled the young Marauders for a 24-12 victory.

Ricky Finlayson targeted for seven points, had three steals and two assists.

Bentley came down with a whopping 12 rebounds.

Burrus targeted for ten points and snagged four steals.

During the game against Valwood December 6 the young Warriors mauled their opponent for a 33-9 win.

Carson Nennstiel grabbed four steals, had three assists and no turnovers.

Bentley netted for five points and came down with nine rebounds.

Burrus targeted for a whopping 14 points and snagged six steals.

In the game against Maclay December 7thye young Warriors tossed the young Marauders for a 33-16 victory.

Finlayson bucketed for seven points, grabbed six steals and had two assists.

Roberts netted for six points and snagged ten rebounds.

Burrus scored seven points, had four rebounds, three assists and snagged seven steals.

On Tuesday, Dec. 14, the Madison Academy basketball team played host to the Community Christian Crusaders.

After losing a tough game against Highland Christian the night before the Panthers were ready to avenge their loss.

John Flournoy would be the first to strike with an easy lay up. After a tight battle in the first half the Panthers led 10 to 5 at halftime.

The second half was underway as the Panthers put the game away with some aggressive defense. The Panthers scored a total of 20 points in the second half as Madison Academy wrapped up their third win of the season by winning 30 to 14.

The Panthers were led by Tyler Zimmerly and Jesse Smith both scoring six points each. Hunter Holman and John Flournoy finished the game with five points each along with Jim Flournoy, who had four points. Michael McCamman and Stephen Miller also assisted in the victory by scoring two points each.

Madison Academy will finish up their season after the Christmas holidays with several tough opponents which include Aucilla, Holy Comforter, Steinhatchee, and Corinth.

The next game is scheduled for Jan. 4 against Steinhatchee at 5 p.m. The team has been working extremely hard and they continue to grow and mature as a team. Come support Panther basketball in 2011.

The Aucilla Christian academy varsity Warriors hit the hardwood against John Paul II December 7 and Aucilla was dropped for a 52-38 loss to now stand on a 2-5 season.

As a team the Warriors dropped in 10 shots of 25 attempts from the field, five of 17 attempts from the three-point zone and hit three of six attempts from the free throw line for 38 points. They collected ten assists, eight offensive and 16 defensive rebounds for a total of 24 rebounds, with 12 block/steals and 21 turnovers.

Tyler Jackson bucketed on of three attempts from the field and missed one attempt from the three-point zone for two points. He had one assist, one defensive rebound, one block/steal and three turnovers.

Marcus Roberts bucketed two of four attempts from the field, two of five attempts from the three-point zone and one of two attempts from the free throw line for 11 points. He had one offensive rebound, four block/steals and four turnovers.

Brandon Darnell hit one of two attempts from the field for two points. He had one assist, two offensive and six defensive rebounds for a total of eight rebounds, two block/steals and one turnover.

Kent Jones targeted two of four attempts from the field and one of four attempts from the three-point zone for seven points.

Jay Finlayson bucketed two of six attempts from the three-point zone for six points. He had two assists, one offensive and three defensive rebounds for a total of four rebounds and three turnovers.

Corey Burrus dropped in one of four attempts from the field, missed one attempt from the three-point zone and hit two of two attempts from the free throw line for four points. He had four assists, one offensive and two defensive rebounds for a total of three rebounds, with two block/steals and five turnovers.

Clark Christy targeted two of three attempts from the field and missed two attempts from the free throw line for four points. He had two assists, one offensive and two defensive rebounds for a total of three rebounds, two block/steals and four turnovers.

Josh Funderburke sank one of five attempts from the field for two points. He had two offensive and two defensive rebounds for a total of four rebounds, with one block/steal and one turnover.

The Madison Academy Panthers took the court against the Corinth Christian Warriors in a very challenging matchup.

After Tyler Zimmerly won the tip off, the Panthers were on the prowl for there second win of the season. Hunter Holman would be the first to score by driving the lane and hitting the first lay up. The game was close, with Corinth in the lead 13-12 at halftime.

The second half was underway as Madison Academy battled back. Jim Flournoy stepped his game up towards the end with seven points. The game was tied 21-21 at the start of the fourth. Madison Academy's defense would hold tight only allowing two points in the fourth quarter.

With time running out, Will Floyd would make a late push by scoring the last two points of the game. The game would end with Madison Academy on top, 27-23, after a tough run by a strong Corinth team. Tyler Zimmerly and Jim Flournoy both ended the game with seven points each.

Will Floyd would score six points, Hunter Holman with four points, and Ross Bass with three points. Dorian Alberti, Jacob Hanners, Stephen Miller, John Flournoy, Michael McCamman, and Jesse Smith all assisted in the Academy's second win of the season.

Cowboy basketball had a rough week in the win/loss column, but not in their hearts or in their effort.

Junior varsity and varsity boys have been playing with a limited team because of the success of our football team. That doesn't discourage our guys from playing hard. For example, the varsity found themselves down by 12 points late in the fourth quarter with only five players due to two fouling out, but we still came back and had a three-pointer rattle out that would have tied the game.

Chris Brown had a career-high 17 points and Devontay Stephens had a huge second half with 14 points and nine rebounds. Trey Johnson hit three three-pointers in the third and had a total of 12 points. Octavius Fayson had nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks. He also had five blocks against a huge Godby team. The future looks bright as Devontay, Trey and Octavius are all in tenth grade.

The Cowboys go strait from football into basketball this week. We will have our whole team for the first time all season. Come support your Cowboys this week with home games against Florida High, our first district game, on Tuesday at 6 and 7:30 and Friday, we play Lincoln at home, 6 and 7:30. Thursday, we travel to Live Oak to play Melody Christian Academy at 7 p.m. This is a varsity game only.

Mark your calendars: December 20, 21, and 22, Madison will host our Second Annual MACOHI Holiday Invitational. Three days of boys and girls basketball. There will be eight games a day for only $8 a day. Or, we will be selling tournament passes for $20, which will get you unlimited access all three days. We will have prizes and drawings as well as great basketball from all over the state, plus two teams from Georgia and South Carolina.

As always, we thank you for your support.

Monday December 6, the Aucilla Christian Academy middle school Lady Warriors played host to the Lady Valiants of Valwood from Valdosta, GA and Aucilla squeaked their opponent for a 20-19 win to now stand at an undefeated 4-0 season.

The first quarter ended 8-8 tie and was a good indication of how the game would go, said Coach Derrick Burrus. Valwood was up 11-10 at the half. The third quarter finished with a 17-17 scoreboard.

Burrus said both teams played their hardest bringing the game to a tie of 19-19 with just six seconds left on the clock.

Maddie Everett went to the free throw line and sunk one to pull out the win for Aucilla 20-19. "It was a very exciting game from start to finish," said Burrus.

Taylor Copeland scored eight points, snagged seven steals and five rebounds.

Kayla Knecht scored four points, had four steals and one rebound.

Maddie Everett scored four points, came down with five rebounds and grabbed one steal.

Kelsi Reams scored four, had three rebounds and two steals.

Kinzi Mattingly snagged six steals.

The young Lady Warriors return to the hardwood against Maclay, 3:30 p.m., December 7, home; and Community Christian, 4:30 p.m., December 9, away.