Monday Basketball: Ryan Jefferson + Anthony Sanders Lead Athens Past Pine Tree

LONGVIEW -- The Athens Hornets improved to 3-0 on the season with a 71-50 victory over Pine Tree on Monday at the Pirate Center.

Ryan Jefferson, a 6-2 senior guard, led the way for Athens with 24 points (two 3-pointers), 10 rebounds, six assists and six steals. Anthony Sanders added 21 points (two 3-pointers), five assists and five steals. Courtland Lyons finished with 11 points for the Hornets, who have beaten three 4A schools -- John Tyler, Corsicana and Pine Tree -- to begin the year.

Pine Tree was led by Caleb Chumley's 22 points. Blake Adams chipped in with nine, while Dalvin Manns and Robert Hines finished with six points apiece.

Athens takes part in the Van Tournament, while Pine Tree participates in the Lindale Tournament beginning Thursday and continuing through Saturday.