Eagles stun Hudson Hornets 59-57

Eddie Harris (30) makes a move on the Hudson defense to make a score. Harris concluded his days as a Rusk Eagle by earning high-scorer honors, scoring 11 points against the Hornets. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN Eagle Head Coach Tracy Kincade's optimism about the future of the Rusk basketball program was confirmed Tuesday when his Eagles upset the 3rd-seeded Hudson Hornets 59-57 in their season finale.

The Hornets went into the game looking forward to an upcoming playoff game against Mexia, but the loss against Rusk left their playoff destiny in question. Hudson faced the possibility of being tied for the third playoff spot if Center had beaten Crockett. As it happened, the Hornets were able to keep their post-season berth.

The Eagles went to work early in the 1st quarter. Chance Cleaver drew a foul on a lay-up. The shot was good, counted and Cleaver completed the three-point play by making his free-throw.

Hudson did not bow out gracefully. They shifted to a full-court press which forced several Eagle turnovers in the 2nd quarter, allowing the Hornets to outscore the Eagles 10-6.

John David Beard (10) looks for a teammate to pass to during an earlier game against Center. Beard, a freshman, has proven to be a perimeter shooter this season, making several three-pointers. PHOTO: LELAND ACKER At halftime the score was tied 25-25.

During the 3rd quarter, the Eagles were able to pull ahead when Brent Jones sank two consecutive three-pointers.

The Hornets were still annoying the Eagles, refusing to collapse under the pressure. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Rusk held a slim 43-39 lead.

The 4th quarter saw that lead disappear when the Hornets began to drive the lane hard. Rusk also was called for five consecutive fouls, sending several Hudson players to the free-throw line. Hudson shot just over 50 percent from the foul line, giving them a slight lead over the Eagles.

The Eagles were able to tie the game in the final minute. It looked like overtime was inevitable until Eddie Harris made two clutch free-throws to give the Eagles a two-point advantage with less than 30 seconds on the clock. When the dust settled, Rusk came away with a 59-57 victory.

Like the first time these teams played this season, Rusk played well for three quarters. This time, the Eagles added a strong finish in the 4th quarter to walk away with the victory.

Another difference maker in this game was teamwork. Hudson post Thomas Davis accounted for 22 of the Hornets' points.

By comparison, Eagle postmen Harris and Horrace Lewis combined for 20 points, while J.J. Session scored 10 points by driving the lane and making free-throws.

John Michael Jackson scored nine points by sinking key buckets and going three-forfour from the foul line.

Eight of the nine members of the team scored points for Rusk. The Eagles were also three freethrows from having five players score double digits.

This year's Eagle basketball team got a lot of experience, beating teams like Bullard and facing powerhouses like Crockett. With six players returning next year, there is room for optimism.

Honored at Tuesday's game were seniors Eddie Harris, Brent Jones and John Michael Jackson.

Harris played three years on the Eagle varsity, in addition to playing football and running track.

Jackson finished his third year on the varsity as well. The 5'7" point guard's other sport is track.

Jones finished his high school basketball career as a two-year member of the varsity. He also plays baseball and golf.

Rusk will have six players returning next year.

HUDSON AT RUSK

Boys Varsity, Feb. 13 Hudson 15 10 14 18 -- 57 Rusk 19 6 18 16 -- 59 SCORING- Rusk: Eddie Harris 11, J.J. Session 10, John Michael Jackson 9, Brent Jones 9, Horrace Lewis 9, Bobby McDuff 7, Chance Cleaverr 3, Demarcus Skinner 1. Hudson: Davis 22, Fischer 13, Guerra 10, Jarvis 6, Smith 2, Corbett 2. FREE THROWS- Rusk: Session 4-6, Jackson 3-4, Harris 3-4, McDuff 1-2, Lewis 1-2, Skinner 1-2, Cleaver 1-1, Jones 1-4. Hudson: Fischer 5-7, Davis 4-4, Jarvis 2-4, Guerra 2-2, Smith 0-2, Corbett 0-2, O'Neill 0-1. THREE POINTERS- Rusk: Jones 2.

HUDSON AT RUSK

Boys JV Hudson 8 6 8 13 -- 35 Rusk 6 8 8 2 -- 24 SCORING- Rusk: Katon 13, Cleaver 6, Skinner 3, Anthony 2. Hudson: Haggood 8, Brown 8, Allen 8, Darnell 6, Mayo 3, Deal 2. The Rusk JV team is coached by Dez Thomas, who is in his first year at Rusk

HUDSON AT RUSK

Boys Freshmen Hudson 12 14 7 7 -- 40 Rusk 3 9 3 0 -- 15 SCORING- Rusk: Richardson 8, Downs 3, Session 1, Tuffis 1, Cambell 1. Hudson: Runner 11, Zaher 7, Cruz 7, Simmons 7, Burke 5, Ferguson 3. The Rusk Freshman team is coached by Thomas Guidry.