By By Chandler Myers
Michael Hippa scored a season high 24 points as the Escambia Academy Cougars defeated the Meadowview Trojans 63-61 in Canoe on Monday night.
Hippa also recorded six rebounds, five assists and five steals in the win.
The Cougars had to fight their way back from an early deficit to pick up the win.
In the first quarter, the Cougars fell back quickly as the Trojans scored 29 points and only allowed EA to put in 14.
The tide turned in the second period with the Cougars pouring in 21 points and their defense holding Meadowview to 16 in the quarter. At halftime, the Cougars still trailed by 10, but were making progress.
Cougars head coach Kevin Woods said his team did a good job of coming back after using full court pressure to their advantage.
After halftime, the game was all Cougars as they pressured Meadowview into mistakes and took control.
In the third quarter, EA chipped in 13 points, while the Trojans only managed to add five more to their total heading into the final period.
The Cougars took the lead and the win in the fourth quarter after scoring 15 points and giving up 11 to the Trojans.
Woods said his team was able to keep Meadowview on their heels in the second half.
Sophomore Keaton Maher scored 13 points for the Cougars. He also pulled down seven boards, had four steals, one block and one assist.
Senior Blake Kirk added nine points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists in the win.
Senior Jeff Price and Nate Smith scored six points apiece. Price also pulled down seven rebounds, stole three passes, dished out two assists and blocked a shot. Price shot 80 percent from the free throw line hitting four-of-five shots. Smith posted 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and a block in the win.
Cougars guard Jake Wasdin chipped in four points and two rebounds.
Senior Alan Ash added three rebounds and one point in the win.