Escambia Academy’s Darren McGhee posted another double-double to lead the Cougars of Canoe to an impressive victory over the Central Christian School Saints last Thursday.

McGhee finished the game with 19 points and 16 rebounds to help EA cruise to a 66-52 win.

The Cougars held the tempo of the game for the entire 32 minute game taking the lead early in the first quarter and never looking back.

In the first quarter, Escambia Academy pounced on their scoring opportunities and pushed their way into the lead to take a 17-7 advantage into the second quarter.

Escambia Academy faced a fight in the second quarter with the Saints creeping back into the c ontest beating the Cougars 20-17 in the quarter. At halftime, EA led 34-27.

Following halftime, EA pulled further ahead of the Saints as they went on two strong runs in the third and fourth quarters.

In the third quarter, the Cougars beat the Saints on the scoreboard by hitting their shots and using their strong defense to come away with a 14-10 run in the period.

Leading 48-37 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Cougars of Canoe crushed any hopes the Saints had of a comeback by winning the period 18-15 to earn the 66-52 win.

Helping McGhee in the win were Cougars Bryant Lambert and Jaylen Henry. Lambert finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and one assist, while Henry had 10 points and six assists.

Escambia Academy’s Jordan Sasser chipped in eight points for the Cougars, while passing out seven assists.

Brandon Goddard and Robert Whatley each had seven points for the EA in the win. Goddard also had seven rebounds and one steal, while Whatley had 12 rebounds to his credit.

Rounding out the scoring for the Cougars were Garrett Kirk, Blake Quimby, Brett Helton and Josh Peebles with two points each.

The Cougars next game will be Friday at home against the Clarke Prep Gators.

Games begin at 4 p.m.

Cougars JV 37
Saints JV 25

Escambia Academy’s Cougars junior varsity earned a big win over the Central Christian School Saints last Thursday in Canoe.

The Cougars picked up the win behind the double-double of Garrett Kirk, who recorded 23 points and 13 rebounds in the 37-25 win. He also had five blocks and two assists.

The Cougars gained the early lead and never gave it up as they held it at the end over every period of play.

In the first quarter, EA held the Saints to four points on the scoreboard and gained a comfortable advantage scoring 12 points.

The Cougars extended their lead in the second quarter as they outscored the Saints 10-6 to move into halftime leading 22-10.

After the break, the Cougars continued their pace to pull away for the win.

In the third quarter, the Cougars were outscored by three points, but held onto their lead 29-20.

Escambia Academy finished off the contest with an 8-5 run in the fourth quarter to come away with the 37-25 win.

Kevin Gumapac finished the game with six points and four rebounds for the Cougars, while Bo Ramer posted four points, three assists and three steals.

Cougar Jake Leachman finished the match up with two points and six rebounds and Scott Brantley and Will Lambert rounded out he scoring with one point each.

The Cougars next game will be Friday at home against the Clarke Prep Gators. Games begin at 4 p.m.