By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Landon Sims helped lead Escambia Academy win over the Northview Chiefs last Friday, December 10, 64-49. Sims led the Cougars in points, racking up 26.
According to EA head coach Willie White, the Cougars were flying into the game against Northview blind.
“I had never seen this team place before Friday’s game, since I have only been at the helm for EA since the 2020 season,” White said. “With so many games being cancelled last year or not scheduled, I am seeing many of these teams for the first time.
“I was proud of the way our guys played. We have been improving and they did a good job putting the pressure on them.”
White added that it was nice to be able to give playing time to many of the guys on the team. At some point, every single player touched the court last Friday.
In addition to Sims’ standout performance, Bubba Nettles followed with 18 points, Charlie Sasser scored 10, Maliki Haynes scored 4, Brian Brown added 2 points, Tomorrion Knight scored 2 and Kanye Hooks added 1 point.
The EA varsity boys’ basketball team will next host Lighthouse Christian Academy Thursday, December 16, at 5 p.m.
The EA Lady Cougars, however, did not share the same fate against Northview last Friday, losing 41-20. With a slow start to the season, the Lady Cougars are still looking find a groove to start generating wins.
According to EA Lady Cougars head coach Larry Bonds, this is a young team still struggling to find their way. As each game passes, improvements are seen.
“I am proud of them,” Bonds said. “The girls fought really hard and despite being behind on the scoreboard, they never gave in. They got up and kept playing. It was close at the end of the second period, but Northview just got too far ahead during the third and fourth.”
Lillie Lanham led the Lady Cougars in scoring with 10 points. Zy McNeil added 6 points, Kate Davis scored 3 and Jamison Janes scored 1. In addition, Janes also led the teams with 6 rebounds.
According to Bonds, the Lady Cougars are currently slated to play in Wilcox for the 2021 Christmas Tournament later in the month, but the tournament is still pending at this time. Times, dates and cancellations will be made available as the tournament organization continues.