By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
The Escambia County High boys’ varsity basketball team has improved to a 4-1 season record after dropping 68-65 last Thursday, November 18, against Cottage Hill and winning, 55-46, last Friday, November 19, against B.C. Rain.
During last Thursday’s loss against Cottage Hill, Sheldon Williams led scoring for the Blue Devils with 20 points. Conner McPherson scored 18, Stephen Williams had 15 points, Terrance McNeal and Hakeem Johnson scored 6 points each.
ECHS and Cottage Hill ran neck-and-neck on the scoreboard, and according to ECHS head coach Layton Knight, the game came down to a photo finish for Cottage Hill when they took the win by a 3-point shot as the final buzzer sounded.
“They are a good team,” Knight said. “As a matter of fact, Cottage Hill is ranked as one of the best teams in the state. To be able to stick with them like that was a great thing for us. Even though we didn’t get the win, we put forth an excellent effort and look forward to our next meeting.”
During Friday’s win against B.C. Rain, favor leaned more toward the Blue Devils. Johnson gained honors as ECHS’s highest scorer with 18 points, Sheldon Williams scored 15, Stephen Williams gained 13 points, McPherson had 8 and McNeal added 1.
According to Knight, the win was the second against B.C. Rain this season and even though it didn’t show on the scoreboard, the Blue Devils controlled in almost every aspect of the game.
“We controlled really well,” Knight added. “The guys played a great game and we were really happy with the team’s performance. It is nice to get a good start to the season.”
Following the split week, according to Knight, ECHS will not take part in Thanksgiving tournaments this year. Knight said that each year he likes to choose between a Thanksgiving tournament or a Christmas tournament, but not both. This week the team will get a week to rest, besides practices, before heading on the road to face Cottage Hill for a second time this season on Monday, November 29.