CHATSWORTH, Ga. — It’s not often a basketball team can check off two long-term goals in one night. However, that’s just what the Calhoun Yellow Jackets did Monday.
Playing their third game in five days, the Jackets used a devastating start to get up big on North Murray and cruised to a 67-45 road win. The victory improved Calhoun to 17-3 overall and 14-0 in Region 6-AAA, clinching the regular-season title and the right to host next week’s region tournament. Also, as region champs the Jackets earn a bye into the tournament semifinals, thus already clinching a state playoff berth.
“That was goal No. 1 on our board in the preseason, so check that one off, and we’re headed to the state, so there’s another one,” said Calhoun coach Vince Layson.
Five quick points from Ray Reeves sparked a 12-2 run to start the game, the final four coming off a pair of Kaelan Riley-to-Jireh Wilson passes and layups. Wilson, the 6-foot junior guard, scored seven more points in the opening period, the final points on a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a rousing 22-5 lead.
Calhoun had great success spreading the floor and either taking open jump shots or making strong drives.