Cougars defeat Monroe, advance to Elite 8
By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Tiquale Taylor scored 22 points to lead Escambia Academy to the AISA Region 2, Area 2 Championship against rival Monroe Academy, 53-48, on Monday, January 27 in a thriller contest.
With the stands filled to capacity inside EA’s gym, the Cougars captured the win during the final minute of the game with free-throw shots from Taylor.
“It was a big win for us,” EA head coach James Smith said. “It was a great game all around.”
Bryant Quimby joined Taylor in the double-digit marks, notching 11 points.
Other Cougars players who scored during the game were Ty’rese Smith (8 points), Li’Terrance McCants (7) and T.J. Riley (4).
With the victory, the Cougars now boast a 13-5 record and have an invitation into the Elite 8 on February 10-13. They also still have games slated against Sparta (Thursday, January 30) and Fort Dale (Friday, January 31).
JV wins
The Cougars JV boys also gained a victory over Monroe Academy on Monday, January 27, defeating the Volunteers, 35-25.
Maliki Haynes topped scoring for the Cougars with 10 points. Other Cougars who scored were Sawyer Hayles (9 points), Cam Ball (8), Jacob Lee (6), S.J. Riley (4) and Aaron Huggins (2).
The victory came after a tough finish in the JV State Tournament at Lowndes Academy on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26. EA first defeated Autauga Academy, 32-21, but fell during the second game to Edgewood, 27-20.
The JV Cougars will next face Sparta this Thursday and Fort Dale this Friday.