By By Chandler Myers
A slow start offensively mixed with no defense hurt the Escambia Academy Lady Cougars as they were crushed 50-25 by the Lowndes Academy Lady Rebels on Thursday night in Canoe.
The Lady Cougars (3-6, 0-2) fell behind quickly and looked similar to last weekend’s game at Pickens Academy.
In the first quarter, EA scored only four points, but allowed the Lady Rebels to put up 18 and get a huge wave of momentum.
Lady Cougars head coach Heath Gibson said his team got off to a sluggish start that held them back all game.
Lady Cougars sophomore guard KayLeigh Miller led EA with eight points in the loss. Miller also recorded three steals and had two assists and one rebound.
The second quarter of action did not get any better for the Lady Cougars as they only put up six points, and allowed Lowndes to extend their lead by scoring 10 points in the quarter. At halftime, the Lady Rebels held a commanding 28-10 lead over the struggling Lady rebounds for the Lady Cougars. Huskey also showed off her defensive prowess as she recorded three steals, two blocks and one assist.
Gibson said the best aspect of the Lady Cougars playing wasn’t there shooting, but pulling down rebounds.
The Lady Cougars shot 31 percent from the field, but had a decent night at the free throw line shooting 75 percent.
After halftime, the outcome did not change for either team as the Lady Cougars of Canoe continued to struggle and the Lady Rebels kept their domination going.
In the third quarter, EA put up their highest point total of the night with eight points in that period of play. They did not cut into Lowndes’ lead as the Lady Rebels scored 11 points and increased their advantage.
Lady Cougars senior forward Sara Beth Davis scored two points in the loss, but pulled down four boards and blocked a Lady Rebels shot.
Sophomore Taylor Helton added two points and another four rebounds, while also recording two steals, one block and one assist for the Lady Cougars.
Gibson said the shooting improved in the third quarter, but shots were just far and in between.
Lady Cougars senior Andrea Nall scored two points, pulled down three rebounds, served up one assist and had a steal in the loss.
Sophomore guard Kristen Matthews netted two points and posted two rebounds with one assist and one steal for the Lady Cougars.
In the final period of play, the Lady Rebels put the nail in the coffin by scoring 11 more points and only allowing EA to score seven.
Sophomore guard Rachel Fuller scored two points for the Lady Cougars and had one rebound.
EA sophomore Samantha Lee scored one point and fought for two boards in the loss.
Gibson said the Lady Cougars must improve their shooting in order to keep their games competitive.
The Lady Cougars next game is at Sparta Academy on Monday. Tip off is at 6 p.m.