By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Escambia County’s varsity basketball team was unable to gain a victory last Tuesday, December 29, during the Christmas Basketball Tournament held in Robertsdale.
The Blue Devils fell to Blount, 43-29, and to Robertsdale, 52-51, both Class 6A teams that, according to ECHS head coach John Shears, offered a vital chance to help get the young Blue Devils team battle-hardened.
“Both games were very competitive,” Shears said. “Being able to have the experience (of) playing tougher, more competitive teams will really aid us when we start area play.”
Sheldon Williams led ECHS in scoring against Blount with 13 points, Jacobey James followed with five points, and Hakeem Johnson contributed three points.
Stephen Williams, Jeremiah George, Jacob Dirden and Kaiden Arnold scored two points each.
Sheldon Williams again topped the stat sheets for ECHS against Robertsdale with 14 points.
Tyson Moorer contributed 11 points, Johnson scored 10, Stephen Williams chipped in with 8 points, James added seven and Anthony McCants nailed a free throw.
“We have to learn to take care of the ball,” Shears said. “We need to also make sure that we are eliminating turnovers. If we can pull all the pieces together and make improvements in the areas that we need to, we should find success.”
With the two losses, the Blue Devils now have a 5-8 record.
ECHS is slated to host Vigor this Friday, January 8.