By Brandon Park
Staff Writer

The Morgan County Middle School Lady Pups dropped two consecutive games last week to conference opponents, losing to Youth 21-15 Wednesday, then to Monticello 29-19 Friday.

The two losses moves the Lady Pups to 0-0 on the season, and puts them outside looking in on the Piedmont Athletic Conference playoffs.

"We suffered two close losses, both games having us down by only three with one to two minutes left,” Head Coach Brian Cousins said. “We have lost several key players due to injury and unforeseen circumstances, which have really hurt us. The girls have really battled dealing with what we have been delt and if nothing else, it gives experience to our young team. Hopefully, we can step up and pull out wins this week over a really good Greene team and then the league leader Carver.”
Against Youth, defensive and physical play ruled the court.

Both teams played hard on the defensive end of the ball, and by not giving up the easy shot, every point had to be earned.
Youth held an early game lead, and Morgan was able to claw back into the contest by holding the Hornets to only six points in the second half. However, not being able to convert on late shot attempts caused the Lady Pups to come up just short.
Point gaurd and key ball handler Ashley Elder went down in the second quarter with an ankle sprain. It is likely that she will miss the game  against Greene County.

Against Monticello, much of the same happened that happened against Youth.

Monticello jumped out early, and Morgan’s defense pulled them close at the start of the fourth. But, again the Lady Pups were unable to score at criticle points, allowing Monticello to pull away with two minitues remaining in the game.
Carvetta Williams was the Lady Pups leading scorer during the two games totaling 17 points. Deandra Reed totaled 10 points, while Stacia McClelland totaled nine points during the two games.

The Lady Pups were scheduled to host Greene County Wednesday.

They will host the Piedmont Athletic Conference leaders Carver Middle School Friday, January 16 for what will be a “Blackout game” at Morgan County Middle School.

ABOVE RIGHT PHOTO BY  B. PARK
LET’S GET PHYSICAL Physical play stole the show Wednesday as Morgan and Youth battled for the win.

Published in the January 15 edition.