STATESBORO — The Gators were a poor host to the Crusaders as both the boys and girls varsity teams took home double-digit wins.
The Bulloch Academy Lady Gators handled the Crusaders 41-31 in the first game of the night. Both games between these two teams were a slugfest that included stifling defense from both sides. Robert Toombs Christian Academy won the last matchup 39-33.
After leading by only two entering the final period, Bulloch Academy outscored Robert Toombs Christian Academy 13-5 in the fourth quarter. The defensive intensity picked up for the Lady Gators in the fourth quarter to take control of the game.
“We’re struggling offensively right now, so we just keep playing good defense”, Bulloch Academy Girls’ Head Coach, Chandler Dennard. The full court press that the Lady Gators unleashed on the Crusaders allowed them to build their late lead. “ We’re trying to generate points off of it because we are not very good in the halfcourt offensively.”
Offense was difficult for both teams as the Lady Gators took a 18-12 lead into the half.
Bulloch Academy senior Ashantay Noble led all scorers with 21 points in the game. Robert Toombs senior Bree Wimberly tried to keep her team in it as she poured in 19 points of her own.
The Bulloch Academy Lady Gators improve to 9-5 on the season. The Robert Toombs Christian Academy Crusaders fall to 4-9.
The Bulloch Academy boys also took care of business on Thursday night as they beat the Crusaders 49-36. This game was a lot more competitive than the last meeting between these two teams. The Gators won the last matchup 64-41.
A big third quarter run was the catalyst for the Gators’ victory on Thursday night. After being tied at 20 at the half, Bulloch Academy raced out to a 41-26 lead midway through the third quarter. The Gators took the lead and never looked back. Bulloch Academy Boys Varsity Head Coach, Zachary Brackett cited the offense being the key in taking over the game.
“We were more patient on offense and more controlled when driving into the middle”, coach Brackett said. “Shots fell and it kind of got everybody comfortable and it got everybody going.”
Junior Jackson Sheppard led the way with 19 points in the game for Bulloch Academy. Several other players contributed on the scoreboard as well as the Gators had a somewhat balanced offensive attack.
Robert Toombs’ Senior Drew Vaughn had it going for him as he finished with a game-high 24 points. Vaughn left the game early in the third quarter with an injury on his shooting hand. He later returned to the game.
The few minutes that Vaughn sat were pivotal in this game. The Crusaders’ offense sputtered without their leader on the floor.
Bulloch Academy improves to 7-7 on the season, while Robert Toombs Christian Academy falls to 5-6.
UP NEXT:
Bulloch Academy will host Trinity Christian on Friday night in a doubleheader. The girls will tip off at 6:00 p.m. with the boys starting after the conclusion of that game.
Robert Toombs Christian Academy will go back home to take on Frederica Academy. The girls will tip at 6:00 p.m. with the boys starting immediately after.
