Jackets get close late, but can’t catch up with Eagles

Published 4:10 pm Monday, November 17, 2008

Staff Reports

Special to The North Jefferson News



SUMITON — Corner found itself in a hole early, clawed its way back but could not quite catch up, as they lost a 46-42 decision to host Sumiton Christian Friday night.

The Eagles (2-0) broke out to a 15-5 lead in the first period, largely due to Corner’s poor shooting from the field — only 2 out of 13, compared to the Eagles 6-for-12.

But the Yellow Jackets (0-2) slowly, steadily ate away at the margin. By the beginning of the fourth period, coach Jeff Smith’s squad had cut the deficit to just three points.

But that was as close as Corner got for the rest of the way.

The Jackets, who had battled foul calls all night, found themselves being forced to foul Sumiton Christian late to put the hosts on the foul line and get the ball back. That effort soon put top scorer Nicole Russell, who picked up three fouls in the first half, on the bench with a foul-out down the stretch. Katelyn Geddings soon followed.

Meanwhile, the Eagles took advantage of the chances at the charity stripe, scoring all of their 12 fourth-quarter points there in 25 attempts. Overall, Sumiton Schristian went to the line 34 times and hot on half of them. Corner hit 50 percent from the line as well, but on only 20 attempts.

Russell led all scorers with 23 points, matching her total from the previous night’s loss to Hanceville. Most of her points came in the second half. Mandy Slatton added nine points and Shannon Tolbert scored six.

Mindee DeFour led the Eagles with 16 points, Selena Muncher had 12 and Abby Barnett seven.

The Eagles play their first home game Tuesday night as they host Cleveland. Tip-off is 6 p.m.