It was a big win for the Escambia County Middle School Eagles Monday night as they tipped off the season with a win over the Bay Minette Tigers 39-34 at Escambia County Middle School.

The Eagles (1-0) were able to hold off a late push by the Tigers to pull off the victory extending the eighth grade team’s winning streak to 17 games.

Eagles head coach Robert Smith said his team played great defense against the Tigers.

“Throughout the game we played very aggressive on defense,” Smith said.

The aggressive defense was shown from start to finish with the Eagles as a team recording 17 steals.

Eagle David Johnson was the leader for ECMS as he recorded his first double-double of the season.

Johnson finished the game with 15 points, 13 rebounds, six steals, two assists and one block. He also shot 1-for-2 at the charity stripe.

In the first two quarters of the game, it was all Eagles as they outscored the Tigers 11-6.

The second quarter was even better for the Eagles with them outscoring the Tigers 10-1 to take a 21-7 lead into halftime.

After halftime, the Eagles defense would be tested as the Tigers would go on a run in the third period.

Their 21-7 halftime lead would quickly be cut as Bay Minette hit a hotstreak and scoring 17 points to the Eagles’ eight to make the score 29-24 heading into the fourth.

In the final period, the Eagles would be able to hold off the Tigers and their momentum as the teams each scored 10 points and ECMS walked away with their first win of the season.

Smith said a key to his team’s win was their ability to shoot free throws and a big game from key players.

“We shot more than 50 percent from the line,” he said. “We also got big performances from David Johnson and Jerome Webster.”

Jerome Webster was another important Eagle in the win as he pulled down 10 rebounds to go along with five points, five assists and four steals.

Other Eagles turning in strong performances were Melik McMillan (2 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal), Gordon Brooks (4 points, four assists, three steals and one rebound), Josh Hill (7 points, two steals and one assist), Coby Smith (2 points and two assists) and Maleek Salter (1 point and 1 steal).

Lady Eagles 32

Lady Tigers 21

The Lady Eagles of Escambia County Middle School opened their season on a high note as they beat the Bay Minette Tigers 32-21 Monday night at Escambia County Middle School.

The Lady Eagles (1-0) pulled out the win with strong numbers in the third and fourth quarter.

In first quarter, the Lady Eagles and Lady Tigers each had trouble finding the basket with ECMS coming out of the period with a 3-2 lead.

In the second quarter, both teams fared better with the Lady Tigers gaining the advantage taking the lead at halftime 9-8.

The Lady Eagles would take over in the second half as they scored 11 points in the third period and held the lead 19-13 going into the fourth.

The Lady Eagles extended their lead in the final period as they outscored the Lady Tigers 13-8 and earning a 32-21 victory.

Nicole Johnson led the way for the Lady Eagles recording a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. She also posted three steals, one block and one assist in the win.

Laticia Barron followed Johnson with four points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Other Lady Eagles recording stats included Ashleigh Simpkins (3 points, 3 steals, 3 assists and one rebound), Ychelle Walker (2 points and 6 steals), Zhanae Salter (2 rebounds and one assist) and Dominique Beckham (2 rebounds and 1 steal).

The Eagles’ and Lady Eagles’ next games are Monday, Nov. 15 beginning at 4:30 p.m.