LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
The Stacey High School basketball teams were in action Jan. 29, hoping to gain momentum as they begin to gear up for the playoffs.
Neither team disappointed their fans, as both teams won important district games against Brackett High School.
The boys' team cruised to an 81-57 victory over the Tigers, but the game was much closer at intermission than the final score indicated.
After leading 29-14 at the end of the first quarter, the Eagles scored only seven points in the second quarter, allowing the Tigers to sneak back into the game. At halftime the Eagles led 36-33.
"We came in thinking it was going to be a walk-through. But in the second half we played with more intensity and didn't give up as much of the easy stuff," said coach Mike Flores.
The Eagles used a stifling press to ignite their team in the second half, and were also aided by outstanding 3-point shooting from small forward David Clark and shooting guard Mike Loar.
Loar erupted for a game-high 32 points, while Clark poured in 30 points. The two combined for eight 3-pointers in the game.
"We shot really well; if not for that maybe it would've been a different story. The defense that Bracket ran allowed Mike to get open, and we ran a special play to get David open," Flores said.
The girls' game was much more emotional, as they overcame obstacle after obstacle to win 70-67 and avenge a three-point loss to Brackett that occurred on Jan. 11.
Clinging to a three-point lead with 11 seconds left, Holmes stole the inbounds pass and was fouled. She sank both free throws, giving the team a 70-65 lead. The Tigers scored a layup harmlessly at the buzzer after coach Amber Greeness instructed her players not to foul, resulting in the final score.
Holmes twisted her ankle in the opening minute of the game, but returned late in the first quarter and went on to light the Tigers up for 37 points.
Still, that wasn't the only problem the Eagles faced. Three players fouled out of the game, including starters, center Cordia Harvatin and shooting guard Domini Davis.
The Eagles still remained relatively balanced offensively, receiving 10 points apiece from small forward Stephanie Glatt and guard Don'yelle Gibson, who saw a lot of action at the point guard position.
"I was trying to get Don'yelle to play more aggressive, and I think it worked," said Greeness.