North Oconee Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Cedar Shoals with a 71-57 Victory!

North Oconee showcased its strength and sharp shooting to secure a 71-57 win over Cedar Shoals in a Region 8-AAAA clash on Tuesday night. The Titans, now boasting a record of 19-2 and a perfect 9-0 in the region, played a well-rounded game led by Justin Wise. Standing 6’4”, the 2027 combo guard has garnered attention from Division I schools like Auburn and Georgia.

Wise was a standout, scoring 28 points with impressive plays both inside and outside the arc. He felt prepared for the intense atmosphere. “We practiced for it and game planned for it,” Wise said. “We knew it was going to be physical, and the refs weren’t going to give us a lot.”

Cedar Shoals fought hard, thanks to junior guard Deston Foote, who netted 23 points, and forward Tybias Lay, who contributed nine points, six rebounds, and four blocks. Foote’s skills kept the Jaguars in the game, but they struggled against North Oconee’s dominant frontcourt.

North Oconee’s Banks Pourchier and Khamari Brooks proved too much for Cedar Shoals. Pourchier was a force, grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking seven shots, while Brooks tallied a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals. The Titans excelled in offensive rebounding, generating many second-chance points throughout the match.

Recently receiving a Division I offer from Chattanooga, Pourchier displayed not only physicality but also skill in finishing plays. The Jaguars briefly closed the gap in the second quarter when Wise got into foul trouble. But Luke Lawson stepped up, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers to help North Oconee maintain a five-point lead at halftime. Lawson finished with 16 points and five rebounds.

In the third quarter, a surge from North Oconee, fueled by Brooks’ defense and Wise’s scoring, extended their lead to 53-44. Cedar Shoals couldn’t close the distance after that, despite Foote’s efforts. Junior guard DJ Hubbard added 10 points for the Jaguars, showcasing his shooting from beyond the arc.

With this win, North Oconee remains undefeated in the region and gears up for two more games this week against Eastside and East Forsyth. In contrast, Cedar Shoals looks to bounce back as they head to Walnut Grove and then host Madison County for an important region matchup.