Lady Eagles take Crockett to the final moments

BY LELAND ACKER

Friday night's game between the Rusk Eagles and the Crockett Bulldogs proves that Rusk's district record of 0-11 is not indicative of a lack of talent. The Eagles played one of the top teams in the state, the Crockett Bulldogs, well into the fourth quarter before falling by a score of 74-62.

"They played really well," said Head Coach Tracy Kincade. "They took on one of the best teams in the state. We'll win a couple of games before the season is over."

The loss drops the Eagles to an 8-17 record, 0-11 in District 20-3A.

Crockett jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter before Rusk rallied back to a 25-24 lead midway through the second quarter.

Crockett put together a run to take a 39-31 haltime lead.

Both teams played evenly throughout the second half.

John David Beard and Horrace Lewis led the effort for the Eagles. Beard sank four thee-pointers and two jumpers for 16 points. Lewis dominated the boards and shot 75 percent from the free throw line to add another 16 points.

Also scoring were: Demarcus Skinner (9), J.J. Session (6), Bobby McDuff (4), Blake Fletcher (3), Derek Sanders, Michael Katon, Taj Cleaver and Chance Cleaver (two each).

The Eagles travel to Carthage Tuesday, before hosting the Central Bulldogs on Friday, Feb. 8. Rusk concludes the season at home against Hudson on Feb. 12.

The Rusk Lady Eagles almost pulled out another upset, this time over the Crockett Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Eagles outscored Crockett 16-10 in the third quarter to pull within six points, but were unable to get over the final hurdles as the Lady Bulldogs defeated the Lady Eagles 44-40 Friday in Rusk.

Jasmine Harris led scoring with 17 points, shooting seven of eight from the free throw line. Charnell Franklin followed with nine points.

Also scoring were: Cambry Blakemore (7), Brittney Session (4), Lisa Frauenberger (2) and Le'Asha O'Neal (1). Rusk is 2-11 in District 20-3A play.

The Lady Eagles conclude their season in Carthage Tuesday.