BY JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Despite double figures scoring performances from Landon Sims and Bubba Nettles, Escambia Academy dropped a 51-48 decision to Wilcox Academy on January 19.
Sims led the Cougars in scoring with 16 points, while Nettles complemented that showing with 11 points. Despite a 13-10 EA lead during the first period, Wilcox gained ground on the Cougars over each of the following three periods.
Craig Helton scored 6 points, for the Cougars; Daughtry McGhee added 4; T.J. Riley contributed 3, and Hunter Smith, Mekehl White and Maliki Hanes added two points each.
With an area record of 3-3 and overall record of 4-7, the Cougars missed winning the area championship by three points, according to EA head coach Willie White.
“We came in second,” White said. “We will play South Choctaw Academy to earn a berth in the elite eight. I am proud of my team, and we continue to get better each game.”
EA will play at Atmore Christian School this Friday, January 29, in its last scheduled regular-season game. The Cougars will enter the AISA playoffs next week.