By David Rogers. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. — With roughly five minutes to go in the men’s basketball game between Alexander Central and Watauga, the Pioneers seemingly were in control with a 7-point lead. Missed shots and forced turnovers in the the closing minutes proved the visitors’ undoing, however, as the host Cougars took advantage en route to a 68-65 win.
Cougar guard Jayon Connor had a night, pouring in 39 points and clearing the boards for 8 rebounds. For good measure, the 6-5 junior guard added 4 assists, 2 blocks and 3 steals. Fellow guard Jaheim Redmond added 14 points and a game-high 7 assists, with 3 steals.

Watauga’s offensive production was broad, with four players in double figures, led by 15 points from junior guard Cade Keller. Others included guard Josiah Railey’s 13, forward Jace Blocker’s 10 points and guard Jackson Love’s 10 points.
The Cougars’ were successful in limiting the 3-point sharpshooter Keller’s opportunities from beyond the arc. In previous games he has burned the nets for as many as 30 points, and so far this year has average 16.8 points per game, including the Jan. 14 tilt.
Next up for the Pioneers (8-5 overall, 0-2 Northwestern Conference) is a home matchup on Jan. 17 vs. Hibriten. Alexander Central (8-7, 2-0) goes on the road to South Caldwell.
TOP PERFORMERS
- AC – Jayon Connor: 39 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 3 steals
- AC – Garison Millsaps: 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals
- AC – Jaheim Redmond: 14 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
- WAT – Cade Keller: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block
- WAT – Maddox Greene: 8 points, 6 assists, 3 steals
- WAT – Jace Blocker: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
- WAT – Jackson Love: 10 points, 3 rebounds
- WAT – Brady Lindenmuth: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal