JC blasts Panthers

Brock McFarland and Kegan Comer were varsity players as freshmen, and have been cemented as starters this season. Friday night the skills that earned them those distinctions were on full display.
The pair of Jay County sophomore guards combined to score as many points as the entire Eastbrook Panthers squad, leading the Patriots to a 57-38 victory in their first home game in three weeks.
“I thought our guard play was really good,” said JCHS coach Craig Teagle. “Both Kegan and Brock played well. They got out in transition, which they’re good at, and they did a lot of nice things.”
The guards had a run of transition hoops in the first half, with Comer scoring on three straight late in the first quarter. He hit back-to-back lay-ups after steals and added a third off of a rebound and outlet pass by McFarland.
Comer added another hoop following a steal early in the second quarter, and McFarland did the same as Jay County (9-5) extended its lead to as many as 17 points in the first half. The Patriots led by as many as 24 points in the second half, and Eastbrook (4-10) never threatened a comeback.
McFarland missed just one shot all night, a 3-point attempt, finishing 7-for-8 from the field and 5-of-5 at the line for a game-high 22 points. He also had three blocks and three rebounds.
Comer shot 7-of-11 from the field and hit both of his free throws for 16 points.
“Kegan’s length really helps him,” said Teagle. “He get pieces of balls where you don’t think he’s going to get there, but he’s got enough length that he can deflect. He’s just gotten better and better. He’s learned how to read defenses better. He does a good job directing what we’re trying to do.
“And then Brock, a lot of his success comes from his ability to handle the ball and his strength. He’s strong with the basketball, takes good care of it and is able to get to the hole.”
“I just thought they played well. They did a good job of delivering it to their teammates when they were open too.”
McFarland and Comer dished out four assists apiece.
In addition to their effort, Jay County dominated most phases of the game in their seventh straight victory over the Panthers.
The Patriots shot 54 percent (23-of-43) while limiting Eastbrook to 28 percent. The Panthers became the 10th opponent this season that JCHS, which has the No. 3 defensive average in the state, has held to fewer than 40 points.
Jay County also had six blocks compared to none for the Panthers, and forced 23 turnovers.
“That’s been something we’ve been plagued with all year,” said Eastbrook coach Matt Hinds. “We’re averaging about 18 turnovers a game. That’s something we’ve just got to do a better job of. And a lot of times they’re unforced.
“Jay County is a great ball club, probably one of the best teams on our schedule. I thought at moments, we were there, but for the most part of the game we were not.
“They’re just so disciplined. They have a coach that’s been here for 13 years, so their system is well in place. We’re still getting there.”
Garrett Krieg followed Comer and McFarland, hitting three first-half 3-pointers for nine points. Scott Schwieterman grabbed four rebounds.
The only negative for the Patriots came on the glass, where they were dominated 36-16 as Eastbrook grabbed a multitude of offensive rebounds. Josh Turnock led the effort for the Panthers, finishing with 13 rebounds to go along with his team-high 12 points.
“Josh Turnock did some good things inside,” said Hinds. “He’s been giving us that every game, so we expect that out of him.”
Tanner Day added 10 rebounds and nine points, and Kendall Green had five assists.
Teagle said re-establishing the inside game would be a key for JCHS tonight when it hosts the Yorktown Tigers (5-10), who are coached by his former assistant Blake Everhart.
“We’re going to have to hit some shots,” said Teagle, who could pick up his 250th career win. “And we’re going to have to get the ball inside and score some inside. They’re going to play a 2-3 zone, and a little bit of a 3-2 or 1-2-2 zone, and they’re good at it. They don’t just stand in it. They know their slides. They communicate out of it. They know where the shooter is at. They know how to cover up the post.”

Junior varsity
Trey Teagle finished off a fourth-quarter rally by the Patriots as they knocked off Eastbrook 19-17.
Jay County trailed by six heading into the final period, but held the Panthers without a point for the final six minutes. Teagle broke a 17-all tie when he scored with just two seconds left, and time ran out before Eastbrook could get a shot off.
Teagle’s 10 points led the Patriots, who improved to 8-6. Jacob Schlosser added five points.
Josh Deideck finished with 10 points for the Panthers, and Dakota Williams scored three.[[In-content Ad]]