By By Chandler Myers
The new year started off sour for the Escambia County Blue Devils as they opened 2010 with a 74-55 loss to the Monroe County Tigers Saturday in Monroeville.
The Blue Devils (6-6, 0-0) were unable to keep up with the Tigers as they were routed in the first two quarters of the game and were forced into 17 turnovers throughout the course of the game.
Blue Devils Head Coach Tim Moorer said his players were unable to get into sync with one another.
"We never did find any rhythm," he said. "Everything was off, and we turned the ball over too many times."
Blue Devils senior guard Kingston Craft led the team with 13 points, while recording three rebounds and an assist in the loss.
Monroe County had control of the game from the opening tip as they outscored the Blue Devils 14-7 in the first quarter. The Tigers continued their domination in the second quarter with an additional 23 points put on the scoreboard as they held Escambia County to just 12 points. At halftime, the Tigers led 37-19.
After the break, the Blue Devils came out willing to fight, but could never cut deep enough into the Tigers' lead.
In the third quarter, the Blue Devils were able to hold the Tigers back and outscored them 15-13.
The Blue Devils again outscored the Tigers in the fourth quarter putting up 21 points to the Tigers 18, but the first-half effort by the Tigers was enough to give them another victory over their rivals from Atmore.
Moorer said lack of scoring opportunities hurt his team in their last game before area play.
"We only went to the free throw line 12 times," Moorer said. "Out of those 12, we only hit five shots. Not getting the ball in the hoop when we needed to hurt us. This was our last tune-up game before we begin area play with a trip to Vigor Tuesday."
Blue Devils recording double-digits in points included senior center Dalvin Craft with 12 points and seven rebounds and Cedric Pierce with 10 points, three assists and one rebound.
Senior forwards Lawrence Arnold and Eric Davis each scored eight points. Arnold pulled down two rebounds.
Blue Devils senior guard Rayvon Madison added three points with five assists and a rebound.
The Blue Devils host Gulf Shores Friday at Escambia County High School. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.