Robertson County Connection
SPRINGFIELD WEATHER

Groves, Shannon combine for 51 as East Robertson tops Jo Byrns




Darion Shannon (15) dribbles by Jo Byrns junior Logan Head. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Darion Shannon (15) dribbles by Jo Byrns junior Logan Head. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Tuesday’s clash between the East Robertson and Jo Byrns boys basketball teams was supposed to be a rivalry game, but it did not feel like one.

Taylor Groves scored 30 and Darion Shannon went for 21 to combine for 51 of East Robertson’s 70 points. Daltyn Hammonds added 12 on four three-point makes, and the Indians coasted to a 70-54 blowout in Cedar Hill.

“We didn’t play a perfect game, but it helps when you have guys like Taylor and Darion and Daltyn,” East Robertson coach Kurt Caton said. “We have a lot of guys that can contribute.”

The Indians had lost two of their last three entering Tuesday’s game, including a 49-44 defeat in their District 9-A opener at Houston County on Jan. 10. However, they changed that narrative against Jo Byrns by making 10 threes and limiting the high-powered Red Devil offense.

“Tonight was a big win for us,” Groves said. “We played great defensively in the first half. We were knocking down shots. I think we’re starting to peak at the right time.”

Taylor Groves looks for a way around Jo Byrns guard Jayden Caira (21). RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Taylor Groves looks for a way around Jo Byrns guard Jayden Caira (21). RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Groves missed six games from late November to mid-December with a strained ligament behind his knee, and East Robertson went 2-4 in his absence. With Groves healthy, the Indian lineup is back at full strength.

“We needed that win for confidence,” Caton said. “We’re trying to improve every game, and I think that we had good energy. We had our best practice all year (on Monday).”

East Robertson (8-9) jumped out to a 23-16 lead at the end of the first and went on a 13-3 run in the second quarter. Suddenly, the rivalry matchup turned into a rout.

“(East Robertson) came in and did what they were supposed to do,” Jo Byrns coach JoJo Northington said. “It’s a rivalry game, and they came in with that type of energy. We didn’t, and it showed on the floor. We didn’t play smart.”

Boone Fletcher led Jo Byrns with 15 points, while Collin Harper also finished in double figures with 11.

Jo Byrns fell to 3-11 ahead of its Friday game with Houston County. The Red Devils have lost seven times by 10 points or less, and Northington said late-game situations have been one of his team’s primary struggles.  

The East Robertson student section reacts after a made basket on Tuesday. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

The East Robertson student section reacts after a made basket on Tuesday. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

“Most of it has been closing games,” Northington said. “Not this one, but we’ve been in most games. It’s like we’re right there. We have to do certain things to get over that hump – we have a lot of mental stuff to work on.”

BOX SCORE

East Robertson (70): Taylor Groves 30, Darion Shannon 21, Daltyn Hammonds 12, Jordan Barnyard 2, Scott Wiggins 2.

Jo Byrns (54): Boone Fletcher 15, Collin Harper 11, Bryce Cox 8, Bobby Ogg 8, Jayden Caira 5, Logan Head 3, Jacob Miller 2, Kenny Tolliver 2.

Jo Byrns' Jayden Caira (21) tosses a pass to a teammate. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Jo Byrns’ Jayden Caira (21) tosses a pass to a teammate. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

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Bryce Cox (left) and Taylor Groves (3) battle for a loose ball. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Bryce Cox (left) and Taylor Groves (3) battle for a loose ball. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Jo Byrns' Kenny Tolliver fires a pass against East Robertson. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Jo Byrns’ Kenny Tolliver fires a pass against East Robertson. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

East Robertson's Taylor Groves (3) and Jo Byrns senior Boone Fletcher (24) exchange words before an inbound pass. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

East Robertson’s Taylor Groves (3) and Jo Byrns senior Boone Fletcher (24) exchange words before an inbound pass. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Jo Byrns coach JoJo Northington speaks with his team during a timeout. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Jo Byrns coach JoJo Northington speaks with his team during a timeout. RUSSELL VANNOZZI

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