Jackets Cut Down Forest, 64-52, January 19, 1977

MATHIS WALKER

By Mel Barlow

Sports Editor

January, 19, 1977

Leesburg - The pressure was on the Leesburg Jackets Tuesday night not only because of being ranked first in Class AAA but also because the opponent was seventh rated Ocala Forest, Ant to top it off was the fact both Clubs entered the contest undefeated in Big Sun Conference play.

But Coach Bill Clendinen's cagers withstood all that and used a little defensive pressure of their own in defeating the 10-2 Wildcats before a packed house 64-52.

"Our defense open things up, "Clendinen said in post game comments, "Putting pressure on their big people was the difference since we were a little careless on offense, making quite a few bad passes at times."

Ed Rains, the 6-6 graceful senior for Forest, displayed the finest offensive ability that the Jackets have encountered this season with a game high 28 points.

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"Rains is a super player who is going to get his points regardless of who he is up against." added Clendinen. "Coach Larry Cone has other fine people to complement Rains including Tyrone Young. They are capable of taking most any team down to the wire on a given night. I'm happy we've got another conference win under our belts at this stage of season."

Ed Chatman was "Mister Everything" again scoring 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds to head the Jacket attack. he also brought the crowd to their feet with three dunks, one coming off a steals.

"I think Ed did a fine job against their big people," Clendinen said. "He had two 6-6 people to contend with under the boards tonight."

Johnny Williams showed no signs of any recurring problem with a knee Injury that sidelined him for three games while helping to bottle up Rains and Young under the basket. "Forest adjusted well to our different defensive setups," related Clendinen. "That's a sign of a well coached team."

"From my viewpoint it was a little scary to take the floor ranked first because we're not dealing with 30 year old people. Our kids have had their ears pumped full since we upset Deland Saturday Night. It's tough for them to concentrate when everyone is telling them how great they are."

JOHNNY "SNAP" WILLIAMS

"Of course I think we have the finest squad in AAA, But I just hope the kids can adjust to the added recognition that being number 1 brings."

The game was tight for the first ten minutes, but Leesburg's defensive press began to show results near the middle of the second stanza as the host club built a 33-21 halftime advantage.

Forest made a fight of it during the third period, making up two points, trailing by 10 at the end of the eight minutes, But the Jackets poured it on in the final stanza, leading by as many as 17 points before Clendinen took his starters out. "we can't sit back because we have two other games this week," continued Clendinen. "North Marion is on the agenda Friday night in an away contest and then travel to Mount Dora Saturday."

Leesburg stands at 14-1 after the win while forest dropped to 10-3. The Jackets are the only team remaining undefeated in Big Sun play with a 5-0 mark.

Individual Scoring: 

 Leesburg - Chatman 11-3-25; Farrior 1-2-3; Walker 2-3-7; Peeples 3-1-7, Williams 7-1-14; Sampson 1-0-2; Legons 0-1-1; Janeczek 2-0-4; Totals: 27-10--64

Forest - Leavengood 4-0-8; Guy 1-0-2; Stauss 2-2-6; Young 3-2-8; Rains 13-2-28; 23-6--52

Resources
By Mel Barlow

Sports Editor

January, 19, 1977

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
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