IN A season of growing pains, East Jackson’s latest tough lesson dealt with withstanding a run.
The Lady Eagles watched a 14-point second-quarter lead evaporate Tuesday night at home in a 43-39 loss to Hebron Christian Academy. Coach Katie David felt her team got a little frustrated as the Lady Lions rallied.
“We had some adverse situations,” coach Katie David. “The way we responded was inconsistent. Because they went on a run, we in turn, got frustrated and didn’t do our job.”
East Jackson (2-7, 1-1)returns to the court after Christmas to host the Dec. 28-30 Wingslinger Holiday Bash.
East Jackson — which jumped out to a 17-3 advantage — carried a 19-10 lead into the half Tuesday but Hebron erupted for 21 points in the third quarter alone and took a 31-27 lead. East Jackson regained the lead, 36-33, midway through the fourth quarter but the Lady Lions answered with five straight points and held on for the win.
East Jackson was just 5-of-15 from the free throw line. Kayla Thomas led East Jackson with 13 points, while Hydeia Rucker added nine.
The game wasn’t without its merits, David said.
“Execution, I thought was great,” she said. “We had a couple of possessions where they took us out of our game early in the third. Once we got over that hurdle, we executed beautifully."
East Jackson’s girls’ basketball team halted a three-game losing streak with an unusual 56-37 road win over struggling Oglethorpe County Friday.
East Jackson won despite being whistled for 23 fouls in the contest in a game that lasted well over two hours.
“We just couldn’t get into a rhythm,” David said. “We had combinations on the floor that we’ve never had before.”
Still, the coach said she was pleased that her team won.
Thomas, who recently returned from injury to her point guard post, nailed four three pointers and finished with 15 points. Taylor Patrick added 14 and Kelsey Palette finished with 12.
Thomas had played in spot duty against Hart County and Apalachee but saw her first extended action against Oglethorpe County.
“It’s just nice,” David said. “We’ve got our point guard back … Just for region play, it’s going to be nice to have.”
The coach pointed out that several of Thomas’s points came at opportune times, stopping Oglethorpe County runs.
