By Staff
Arthur McLean
After winning state championships in boys and girls basketball, the Escambia Academy Cougars look to be returning to their winning ways.
At last week's tournament in Monroe, the boys and girls teams took first place.
The girls have been the strongest so far this season, going 6-1. The boys have reversed their early season disappointments in the tournament and are now on a three-game winning streak.
In the first round of the Monroe tournament, the girls faced off with arch nemesis, Sparta Academy. Last year, the girls impressive championship season was marred by three losses to the Sparta team.
Things shaped up differently in the rematch a season later with EA taking care of business in a 62-49 victory. Lori Bonds reached a milestone of 1,000 career points in the game and was the leading scoring pouring in 37 points. Kaylee Castleberry chipped in 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the game.
"That was a big test for us," said coach Heath Gibson. "It's good to have that monkey off our back."
The game against Monroe Academy turned out to be a much more defensive, and close match, with EA pulling it out 42-41. Bonds was again the leading scorer with 19 points. Castleberry dominated the boards with 12 rebounds and contributed 10 points to the effort. The tournament win pushed the girls' record to 6-1.
The boys entered the tournament with a 1-4 record, but reversed their fortunes. Against Sparta Academy, the boys had one of their highest scoring games of the season, winning a shootout, 73-64. Zack Thomas had the touch as the high scorer with 34 points on the night. Cody Norton chipped in 10 points in the victory.
Wrapping up the tournament, the Cougars went on to defeat Monroe Academy 61-50. Thomas was again the high scorer with 29 points. Matt Amerson followed, contributing 12 points in the victory. With the tournament win, the Cougars boys team is 3-4.