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By Gary Thomas

Butler County basketball teams have returned to the court after the holiday. Here’s a look back at what happened in Butler County roundball action.

Greenville Tigers

There was a cat fight on Greenville’s home court in the new year as the Tigers hosted the Wilcox-Central Jaguars Jan. 2. Coached by Greenville alumnus Brently Hill, the Jags faced off against the Tigers, coached by Jonathan Grace and Greenville came out on top in a 62-50 family feud win.

Guard Idris Lawson led the scoring effort for the Tigers knocking down 15 points. Forward Kendre Bullard contributed a double-double in the win with 10 points and 10 points. Joshua Jenkins also threw down 13 points.

The Lady Tigers won 35-30 as Sy’nia Edward led with nine points and 11 rebounds while Ja’Kira Burnett added eight points and six rebounds with two steals.

The JV Tiger boys closed out the sweep with a 39-25 win over the Jags. Greenville hosts Andalusia on Jan. 10.

Georgiana School Panthers

In a nip-and-tuck cat fight, the Lady Panthers fell to the Greenville Lady Tigers in a 58-49 defeat on Jan. 4. It seems the Tigers were revenging an early season loss to the Lady Panthers, 52-51.

The loss brings the Lady Panthers to 6-and-7 on the season.

The Panthers’ varsity boys trampled Greenville on Saturday night in an 80-68 victory. While running up the score, the Panthers are at 10-and-4 after the win.

The Panthers will travel to meet Brantley in Crenshaw County on Jan. 9.

Fort Dale Academy Eagles

The Fort Dale Eagles matched skills with Lowndes Academy Saturday and came away with a narrow three-point win, 37-34. Dain Winters led the Eagles with nine points and nine rebounds with a pair of 9s.

The Lady Eagles also came away with a home victory by a score of 38-29. Brinkley Long lead with a pair of 8s with eight rebounds and scoring eight points against the Rebels.

And, for the clean sweep, the JV girls also bested the Rebels.

The Eagles host the Hooper Academy Colts on Jan. 9.

McKenzie School Tigers

The McKenzie Tigers bounced back after losing in a blowout in their previous game against Luverne, turning things around Jan. 2 with a 51-42 win. It looks like last season’s woes — a 9-and-12 record — are a thing of the past.

McKenzie got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Quay Jackson out in front posting 14 points, eight steals and five rebounds. The performance gave him a new career high in steals.

Devin Covan was another key player, putting up nine points along with seven boards and six steals.

The victory was the Tigers’ fourth straight win dating back to last season on the road. It also pushed their record to 6-and-3. Those victories came thanks to their offensive permanence, averaging 54.3 points per game.

McKenzie travels to Elba on Jan. 9 to take on the Tigers.

Gary “Gooch” Thomas is a long-time Crenshaw County resident, football fan and freelance writer.