BK Report: Blue Devils win season opener; EA tops Sparta on Tuesday

Published 4:56 pm Friday, November 30, 2018

Escambia County’s Lue Williams scored 32 points and brought down 14 rebounds to help lead the Blue Devils to a 71-52 victory over Baldwin County Thursday night at Cornell Torrence Gymnasium.

Allen Patterson, who had two 3-pointers in the first period, chipped in with 12 points and five assists for ECHS. Malik Brown had eight points, and Demetrion Barnes had nine points. Trevonn Lambert had eight rebounds and four blocks.

ECHS led 21-13 after the first period, 32-25 at halftime and 46-34 going into the fourth period.

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“They played well,” ECHS basketball coach Rodney Jackson said. “They managed to deal with the first-game jitters well. Baldwin County is a phenomenal team.”

Jackson said there’s much to improve on. During the game, BCHS took the Blue Devils’ baseline game out in the third period.

Late in the game, ECHS transitioned to a 2-1-2 defensive press for a counter.

In girls action, the Lady Blue Devils fell 63-40.

Jacala Nixon led ECHS with 18 points, and C’Anna Betts chipped in with 15.

Kaeleigh Boykin led BCHS with 23 points, and Autumn Phillips had 21 points.

In other action earlier this week, Escambia Academy defeated Sparta Academy 72-48 in boys action. In girls, SA won 57-21.

Tiquale Taylor led the Cougars with 28 points; Tyrese Smith and James Williams chipped in with 8 points each.

EA basketball coach James Smith said he’s still trying to figure out his starting five. During the game, the Cougars switched a couple of groups.

“Like tonight, the best compliment I got was when a referee came to me and said ‘You’ve done a great job with the kids. They are so disciplined.’

“They’re trying to buy in to what we’re coaching them,” he said.

Mary Thompson Lancaster led the girls with 9 points.

ECHS visits Monroe County tonight, and EA hosts Jackson Academy on Tues., Dec. 3.