By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
The Escambia County High boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams have been a dominating force for much of this season. Last Friday, January 7, the ECHS teams continued this trend when the varsity boys defeated Vigor 62-49, and the varsity girls defeated the Wolves 61-59.
“We are on track and both teams are continuing to play well,” ECHS coach Keyon Thompson said. “We have a ton of talent on both the boys’ and girls’ teams, but the story is really being told by the role players of the team. Both teams are continuing to bond and secure their identities. Our boys are stepping up and our girls have just been electric so far this season.”
Conner McPherson led the Blue Devils boys’ varsity in scoring against Vigor with 20 points. Sheldon Williams, the Blue Devils leading points scorer, contributed 18 points, Hakeem Johnson scored 12, Jacob Dirden had 8 points, and Stephen Williams contributed 5 points.
Jayla Adams led the Lady Blue Devils in scoring with 29 points, C’Anna Betts followed with 23 points, Makayla Lyons scored 6, Zahria McCants added 2 points, and Timia Gaines scored 1 point.
So far this season the ECHS varsity boys’ team boasts a season record of 16-3 and is ranked as the number two team in the ASWA Class 4A rankings as of Thursday, January 6. The Lady Blue Devils move forward into the season with a 15-2 record, but remains unranked according to the ASWA Class 4A rankings.
With both teams continuing hopes of state titles, the Blue Devils will host rival Williamson High this Friday, January 14, at 4:30 p.m.