In their first battle since  Dec. 17, the Escambia Academy Cougars fell to the Wilcox Wildcats falling 58-57 at home on Monday night.

The Cougars played a back-and-forth contest with the Wildcats with the game being decided in the fourth quarter.

In the first quarter, the Cougars and Wildcats trade blows with each team finding scoring opportunities throughout the first eight minutes. The Cougars came out of the quarter leading 12-10.

The Wildcats found a way to win a high-scoring second quarter beating the Cougars 19-16 on the scoreboard to go into halftime leading 29-28.

Following halftime, the teams kept the score tight with neither team able to gain a large lead.

In the third quarter, the Cougars came out the winners with another 16-point quarter as they outscored Wilcox 16-13 to take the lead 44-42 moving into the final quarter.

Escambia Academy played a strong fourth quarter, but were overtaken by Wilcox in the period as the Wildcats won the quarter 16-13 to come away with the 58-57 win.

Darren McGhee led Escambia Academy in the loss as he recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. McGhee also posted two steals.

Cougar Jordan Sasser added 14 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Jaylen Henry posted eight points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds, while Robert Whatley scored five points and had six rebounds.

Bryant Lambert and Jacob Dean each finished with four points.

Wildcats JV 47
Cougars JV 23

Escambia Academy’s junior varsity squad took the court on Monday night looking for a win against the Wilcox Academy Wildcats, but were defeated 47-23 in Canoe.

The Cougars fell behind the Wildcats early and never regained ground in the loss.

In the first quarter, the Wildcats jumped out to a 12-6 lead and extended their lead in the second quarter to go into halftime leading 29-10.

Following halftime, the Wildcats held on their strong lead to come away with the win.

In the third quarter, the Cougars were outscored 8-5 to go into the final quarter down 37-15. The Cougars were unable to mount a come back in the fourth quarter to fall 47-23.

Kevin Gumapac led the Cougars with nine points and three rebounds.