Melissa McClendon
LOCUST GROVE - Locust Grove swept the visiting Jay Bulldogs
basketball teams Tuesday in Pirate Arena. The Lady Pirates kicked off the night with a 47-44 while the Pirates capped off the night with a 56-43 win.
In the girls game, Sara Boren led by Sarah Boren’s 13 points. Boren hit nine of her 13 from behind the arch. Jay took the early lead going up 14-11 at the end of the first eight minutes. It was Balie Neel’s seven-point second quarter that kept the Lady Pirates close. Despite Neel’s efforts, the Lady Bulldogs maintained control of the game sending Locust Grove to the locker room down by 30-24 at half time.
After the break, Courtney Freeman, Erica King and Boren all hit from three point range to boost the Lady Pirates past Jay, 39-35. Locust Grove held on in the fourth quarter and walked away with the 47-44 win.
The Lady Pirates were led by Boren’s 13 points.
LG 47 Jay 44
J - 14 14 5 9 - 44
LG - 11 13 15 8 - 47
LG - Sarah Boren 13, Balie Neel 9, Courtney Freeman 8, Erica King 7, Breanna Jarrell 6, Taylor Loffer 4.
Pirates stay undefeated
In the late game, Pud Ross led the Pirates with 12 first quarter points to give his team an 18-13 lead. Ross didn’t score in the second quarter but his teammates took up the slack. CJ Stafford scored seven to keep the Pirates in the lead. By the end of the half, Jay had narrowed Locust Grove’s lead to three, 25-22.
After the intermission, the Pirates took control outscoring the Bulldogs 13-8. A three by Trey Conner and baskets by Ross, Adrian Houser and Stafford boosted Locust Grove to a 38-30 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Jay continued to inch closer to the Pirates getting back to within five with 6:01 to go in the game. Later, Chase Knott hit from three point range, then Stafford followed up with a steal on the inbounds before the Pirates called time out. With 4:13 to go Locust Grove was up 44-34.
Conner’s three point shot gave the Pirates an added cushion making it 47-34. Locust Grove never looked back as the Pirates went on to win 56-43.
Ross led the Pirates in scoring with 20 while Stafford had 11. Houser added 10.
Locust Grove is back in action Friday night when the teams host Grove. It will be the last game before heading into Christmas break.
LG 56 Jay 43
J - 13 9 8 13 - 43
LG - 18 7 13 18 - 56
LG - Pud Ross 20, CJ. Stafford 11, Adrian Houser 10, Chase Knott 8, Trey Conner 3, Kevin Pilant 1.
