Eagles show continuing signs of improvement
Girls upset Center, both teams challenge Crockett
BY LELAND ACKER

Rusk guard J.J. Session scrambles after a loose ball during Friday's game against the Crockett Bulldogs. Session scored six points as the Eagles fell to the top team in District 20-3A by a score of 74-62. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN

Fans who have not given up on the Rusk Eagles were treated to a great basketball game Friday as the Rusk Eagles battled the Crockett Bulldogs for four quarters en route to a 74-62 loss.

"It was a great game," said Head Coach Tracy Kincade. "They played very well. They took on one of the best teams in the state."

Crockett jumped out to a 10-0 lead before Rusk rallied back to take a 25-24 lead in the second quarter. The Bulldogs put together a run to take a 39-31 lead at halftime.

John David Beard played hard the first half, sinking four three-pointers and two field goals for 16 points. Horrace Lewis led the efforts for the Eagles, scoring 16 points, sinking six out of eight free throws, and dominating the boards in rebounds.

Crockett only outscored the Eagles by four points in the second half to win 74-62.

Rusk Lady Eagles' guard Cambry Blakemore looks for a teammate to pass to during Friday's game against Crockett. The Lady Eagles fell to Crockett 44-40, but defeated Center 48-47 earlier in the week. Blakemore had 21 points and three three-pointers during the Center game. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN

Other scorers for the Eagles 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 loss drops the Eagles to an 8-17 record, 0-11 in district.

Katon had an outstanding game against the Center Roughriders Tuesday, Jan. 29, but that still was not enough to send the Eagles into the "w" column. Rusk fell to Center 65-58.

Katon scored 13 points, made three rebounds and two steals in the effort. Session followed up with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Lewis added another 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

"The team played really well and fought until the end with a very good second place Center team," Coach Kincade said. "I am proud of their effort."

As a team, the Eagles shot 16 of 29 field goals, six of 19 from the three-point line. They made eight of 16 free throws. Other individual scorers for Rusk were: Skinner (7), Beard, Chance Cleaver and Quinn Anthony (six each).

The Rusk Lady Eagles were bound and determined to pull out an upset over the Crockett Lady Bulldogs Friday. Rusk outscored Crockett 24-16 in the second half, only to come up short 44-40 against the Lady Bulldogs.

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

Other scorers were: Cambry Blakemore (7), Brittney Session (4), Lisa Frauenberger (2) and Le'Asha O'Neal (1).

The loss drops the Lady Eagles to an 8-19 record, 2-11 in district.

The Lady Eagles were successful in their attempt to upset the Center Lady Riders Tuesday. Rusk went on a second half rally to slip by Center 48-47.

Blakemore had a great night, scoring 21 points and shooting three for four from the three-point line. Jasmine Harris followed up with 18 points. Other scorers were: Franklin (5), Frauenberger (3) and Session (1).

The Lady Eagles concluded their season Tuesday in Carthage. The Eagles host Central Friday and Hudson Tuesday.