By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Landon Sims helped lead Escambia Academy past Lowndes Academy, 64-48, and Sparta Academy, 52-24, last week as the Cougars, who currently hold the tenth spot in the AISA Basketball Rankings within the AISA, are looking to attempt to gain ground up the ranking ladder within the coming weeks.
Sims, who was recently honored as the 2021 AISA Football Back of the Year, has also been a constant force on the court for EA this season. Against Lowndes Thursday (January 13), Sims led the team with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals and 5 assists. Malaki Haynes supplemented with 17 points, 6 steals and two rebounds. Bubba Nettles added 11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Charlie Sasser scored 10 points, stole 4 times, and had 10 rebounds. Brian Brown had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Kayne Hooks added 2 points and 2 steals.
Sims also scored 8 out of 13 field goals and made 3 of 5 free throw attempts.
During last Friday’s (January 14) action against Sparta, Sims led the team again in scoring with 13 points, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 5 rebounds. Brian Brown had 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, and 1 blocked shot. Nettles added 11 points, 7 assists, 5 steals and 2 rebounds. Sasser scored 8 points, stole 4 times and had three rebounds. Hooks added 5 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Haynes scored 3 points, had 1 rebound and 1 assist.
With the 2 victories, EA advances to a season record of 9-4 and will continue action this week as they host Sparta Academy this Thursday, January 20, for a rematch at 4 p.m.