By Staff
Rob Griffin
On Friday night, the Atmore Big Blue Machine was derailed once again.
Big Blue faced UMS Wright. Senior Jeremy McCants returned to the line-up and scored 14 points.
Four of his five shots were three-pointers. Frank Taylor was second in scoring with 11 points. Senior Larenzo Arnold also added to the mix, scoring seven points as both he and McCants combined for 21 points.
The team shot nine out of 15 from the free-throw line and junior Chris Andrews went six for eight for a 75 percent clip. It was a low scoring game for ECHS as the entire team only combined for 59 points in the loss.
"We need to improve our shooting from the free-throw line," said Coach Brown of his team's poor shooting from the foul line. "Free-throws win games," he also added.
While Coach Brown is looking to get his team healthy, he also voiced his concern about upcoming area games. "We need to improve on free-throw shooting and defense if we're going to make some noise going into our area games."
"I encourage everyone to come out and support the basketball team," said Brown..
After another loss, Coach Brown and his team are looking to get back on the winning track. ECHS played at home against bitter rival Baldwin County High School. Coach Brown wouldn't get his wish this night. In a must win area game, Atmore fell to BCHS by a score of 74-64.
Junior Chris Andrews scored 16 points and Frank Taylor was second in scoring with 15.
The seniors Jeremy McCants and Larenzo Arnold scored nine and eight points respectively and Calvin Hartley added eight points as well.
Poor free-throw shooting would contribute to Atmore's demise on this night. ECHS was 17 of 40 from the foul line. "I would like to see us average 80 percent or better on free-throws," said Brown of his team's dismal free-throw shooting.
"Free-throws are a must if we're going to win!
In practice this week, the coaches focused on free-throws. Coach Brown is confident that his team can turn it around. "Despite the losses, we're still working toward our goal of making the playoffs."
Although Atmore has hit a road block lately, coach doesn't make excuses for his team. Coach Brown only wants to improve and coach his team to victory.