Owen Jackson scored a game high 52 points for the Pioneers but it wasn’t enough as the Carroll County Cavs took a 96-95 win in Hillsville on Wednesday night.
Jackson was 27 for 32 from the free throw line as Carroll’s obvious strategy was to hammer the sophomore as they had three players foul out of the contest and two more finished with four personals. Fort Chiswell would lead by as much as 12 in the first half and by 11 late in the third quarter but after some poor shot selection and defensive letdowns the Pioneers surrendered their lead with under four minutes and really never recovered.
Carroll shot 18 free throws in the second half as they were led by Isaiah Easter’s 33 points followed by 15 each from Blake Reed, Will Motley, and Hayden Jackson. Colton Gravely also tossed in 13 for the Cavs.
Kenton Sutphin aided Jackson by scoring 16 while Eli Armbrister and Landon Eversole each tossed in 12 for the Pioneers in the disappointing season opener.
Fort Chiswell is scheduled to play at home on Friday against county rival, Rural Retreat.
