By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Tiquale Taylor scored 22 points to lead Escambia Academy to a 57-37 win over Fort Dale last Friday, January 31, during the season’s last regular-season game and Senior Night for the Cougars, continuing a six-game winning streak.
Taylor was also honored after the game for scoring more than 1,200 career points.
According to EA head coach James Smith, it is yet to be confirmed if Taylor will hold a new school record for most career points.
“He (Taylor) is a great kid,” Smith said. “He understands the game of basketball, is a hard worker and great teammate. I have had the opportunity to work with him over the past two years and I am happy to see him awarded for his hard work.”
Ty’rese Smith and Bryant Quimby complimented Rabb’s performance with nine points each; Chaston Helton (6), Jason “Jaybo” Davis (5), T.J. Riley (3), Landon Sims and Caleb Davis (2 each) rounded out the EA scoring.
The Cougars ended the regular season with a record of 16-5.
Lady Cougars fall
The Lady Cougars ended regular season play with a tough loss against Fort Dale on last Friday, 51-27.
LaKrystal Turner hit double digits for the Lady Cougars, scoring 13 points.
Julie Conway added six points, Leah Odom had four points and Kelly Polletta contributed three points.
The stage for the 2020 AISA Elite 8 Tournament is now almost completely set as the Lady Cougars captured the Class AA third seed in the tournament.
EA’s ladies were scheduled to face the number-two seed, South Choctaw Academy in Toxey on Tuesday, February 4. Due to publication deadlines, that game will be covered in next week’s edition of Atmore News.
The Cougars boys’ varsity team, the number-one Class AA tournament seed, will enjoy a BYE during the first round of the tournament.
EA is scheduled to face the winner of the first-round game between Lowndes Academy (the area’s number-two seed) and Coosa Valley (number 3) at the Crampton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery next Tuesday, February 11, at 1:30 p.m.