By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

CENTRE – For the second basketball game in a row, the Cherokee County Warriors got off to a good start. They held a five-point lead at the end of the first quarter on Friday night against area rival Jacksonville.

But for the second game in a row, the Warriors’ offense tapered off and they lost, this time by the final of 80-49.

Cherokee County managed a 16-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter, but Jacksonville found its footing in the second by going on a 21-11 run to take a 37-22 lead at halftime. The Golden Eagles expanded their advantage to 59-31 after three quarters.

John Broom scored a game-high 28 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, for the Golden Eagles (4-2, 2-0). He also had nine rebounds, four blocks, a steal and an assist. Caden Johnson contributed 23 points, six boards and two assists. Cam Johnson added 18 points, eight rebounds, three steals and an assist. Jaquan Ervin finished with six points on a pair of 3-pointers.

Landon Caldwell led the Warriors (0-2, 0-1) with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jaden Wilson earned 11 points, three boards and an assist. Malachi Horton had seven points, six rebounds, two steals and an assist. Cade Hopper finished with six points on a pair of treys. He also had four boards, a steal and a block.

Cherokee County hosts White Plains on Tuesday.