Five Thoughts: Jackson County @ Monterey

<p>The balanced attack of Jackson County High (10-15) managed to discourage and defeat the hosting Monterey Wildcats, 69-64, thereby eliminating any MHS hopes of winning 6A's regular season crown.  Clay County (12-2 in 6A) clenched 6A with the Monterey double overtime loss to Jackson County.</p> <p>"Free throws really hurt us," said <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/">Peyton West</a></a>.  "We could probably blame 3 of our 5 losses on missing free throws late."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3 class="card-header">Historical Results</h3> <div class="card-block"> <table class="table table-striped footable footable-2 breakpoint-lg"> <thead> <tr class="footable-header"> <th class="footable-first-visible">Game Date</th> <th>Opponent</th> <th class="footable-last-visible">Result</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody class="vertical-align"> <tr> <td class="footable-first-visible">Mar. 8, 1923</td> <td><a href="https://tssaasports.com/school/?id=0&amp;sportid=2">Knoxville High</a></td> <td class="footable-last-visible">L, 13-35</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="footable-first-visible">Mar. 15, 1978</td> <td><a href="https://tssaasports.com/school/?id=181&amp;sportid=2">Goodpasture</a></td> <td class="footable-last-visible">L, 36-81</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="footable-first-visible">Mar. 15, 2018</td> <td><a href="https://tssaasports.com/school/?id=321&amp;sportid=2">MASE</a></td> <td class="footable-last-visible">W, 53-50</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="footable-first-visible">Mar. 16, 2018</td> <td><a href="https://tssaasports.com/school/?id=300&amp;sportid=2">Loretto</a></td> <td class="footable-last-visible">L, 63-69</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>Monterey lead the game by small margins after both the first and second quarters concluded.  The Wildcats emerged from the first up 17-14.  </p> <p>The end result simply was not satisfying for Monterey's star guard, <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/">Peyton West</a></a></strong>.</p> <h2>The Star</h2> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/">Peyton West</a></a></strong> scored five points in the first quarter.  He dipped into the lane and finished both a floater and split his two free throws.  Clearly, from the opening tip, Jackson County was aware of the gunslinger West.  He did not score unchallenged buckets and the Blue Devils routinely swarmed him both inside and outside the arc.</p> <p>Regardless, Peyton is just a wonderful scorer at the Class A level destined for college basketball success.  West created his own shooting window with a step-back three-pointer midway through the second quarter.  So smooth, so fluid.  His skills are the result of plenty of individual work.  It is clear that he works on his craft outside of team practice.</p> [caption id="attachment_930289" align="alignright" width="150"] Peyton (#5) and his father last made the Class State Tournament in 2018. Can they return in 2020?[/caption] <p>Walters State offered Peyton a scholarship.  He is likely to gain three to five more in the coming months.  West delivers in all weather, whether the defense is great or poor though he felt he played terrible Tuesday.</p> <p>"Bro, that was the worst game I’ve ever played," said <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-west/">Peyton West</a></a>.  "I was missing layups, free throws, and good looks from three. Just a tough night."</p> <p>To their credit, Jackson County did capture the win just as much as Monterey sputtered late.  Monterey did lead at the half, 27-26.  </p> <h3>The Big</h3> <p>In this movie, the role of Big Man will be played by <strong>Chris Pigg</strong>.  Jackson County deliberately found Chris repeatedly in the opening quarter.  Defended by similarly height, Pigg was a throwback big willing to turn his hips and offer either a baby hook or a simple 2-foot shot.  Pigg's early aggression in the paint set the tone.</p> <h2>Firestarter</h2> <p><strong>Ramon Cuevas</strong> drew a charge late second quarter.   He slashed baseline to finish a gorgeous reverse layup.  Though Cuevas missed the short shot he jumped high for the offensive rebound and finished easily in the purple paint.  Cuevas, on successive possessions, emerged victorious.  Small battles won in succession matter and Ramon helped win the game.</p> <p>The visiting Blue Devils maintained this slim lead for 3:00 game minutes.  They recaptured the lead in the third quarter and tussled back and forth all night. </p> <p><strong>Jordan Arroyo</strong> displayed a few sharp slashes.  </p> <p>Monterey aims to play in the Class A State Tournament for the second time this century, the second time in the last 3 years to view their success through a more flattering prism, and yet Tuesday night they found themselves losers on their own home court.  </p> <p>The Blue Devils demonically ended Monterey's 9-game winning streak.  Thursday Monterey's seniors are celebrated during Senior Night.  Trousdale County is the planned foe.  </p> <p><em>Follow @PrepHoopsTN and @AndrewForce8 for recruiting information.</em></p>