The CCHS cheer squad performs a routine for the crowd during a timeout. (Photos by Anthony Richards)

It was an easy victory for the Chilton County boys basketball squad, as the Tigers handled Shelby County 62-44 to open the 2016-2017 season.

Chilton County grabbed hold of an early lead behind a pair of shots from long range by Garrett Strength.

Giquan Lane continued the attack from beyond the arc and the Tigers led 18-12 at the end of one.

“We were able to share the basketball and get some good shots, key turnovers and some guys got hot,” Chilton County head coach Deon Timmons said. “We controlled the tempo and got the looks that we wanted at the basket.”

The lead quickly grew as Chilton County began pounding the ball in the paint. Keundae Childers scored back-to-back buckets in the post and Mondez Jones established his presence on the boards with a pair of offensive put backs.

“It’s all about working hard enough,” Jones said. “We just have to make sure that we box out. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season holds.”

The Tigers led 40-21 at the half.

Damian Wilson of CCHS hauls in an offensive rebound in the post.

It was a rough third quarter at the free throw line for Chilton County, which missed the front end of several one-and-one opportunities.

As a result, the Tigers maintained a 52-33 lead but it could have been an even larger margin.

According to Timmons, a lot of the complacency is due to it being the first game and something that he expects to improve with each game.

The closest Shelby County cut into the deficit was 12 points with 3:08 left in the game.

“We couldn’t get the front end of a one-and-one, because our guys didn’t focus and pay attention to the details,” Timmons said. “We had too many turnovers and started getting out of our character.”

Jones finished with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Strength added 10 points.

Keshawn Williams was a major contributor in Chilton County’s pressure defense with three steals on the night.