The Paris boys junior high team played perhaps its best game so far in the young season on Monday night defeating Lamar 48-21. The talented junior Eagles continue to improve and show Paris fans that the future of Eagles basketball is indeed bright.
The junior Lady Eagles faced the Lamar junior Lady Warriors in the first game of the junior high double-header. In a physical game between two teams who have a history of physically competitive games, Paris lost to the Lady Warriors 32-21. Although Paris lost the game, the team showed good progress against Lamar who is favored by most coaches to win the conference this season.
Lady Eagles coach Dustin Williams was pleased with his team’s effort against the talented Lady Warriors. “We had the lead until approximately 3 minutes to go in the first half. Momentum changed toward the end of the half. Lamar is a very talented team who is picked to win the conference. I thought we held our own and will continue to get better. I feel we are ahead of where we were this time last season. We had the chance to play some talented teams early in the schedule and it has helped us going into the conference portion of the schedule. We just have to keep pushing. I love the fight in this team. Our execution and chemistry will continue to get better.” The Lady Eagles were led by Brailey Forst and Rachel O’Neal who both had 7 points. Jayden Wells had 5 points.
The Paris junior boys improved their record to 5-2 with a decisive win over Lamar. Coach Mike Foster thinks the team may be playing its best basketball to this point in the season. “The team is getting better with every game. We are playing good team basketball.” The Eagles were led by Juan Santos who poured in 17 points. Jesse Wells had 16 points and 5 rebounds on the night. Sam Muldrow rounded out the leaders with 11 points and 8 rebounds. The game was never really contested by the Warriors as the full court pressure defense of the Eagles created multiple scoring opportunities off of turnovers created by the Paris defense.
Both Paris junior high teams will play next at Perryville on Friday. As the conference season gets into full swing, it is almost assured that every game from now until the end of the season will be physical and intense. On Monday night, bodies were flying and players were hitting the floor. That is a trend that should continue as teams play for a junior high conference championship. It will be contingent on game officials to maintain control of the games, call appropriate fouls, and keep the game as safe as possible for players on both teams.
The Paris senior Eagles and Lady Eagles play at Lamar tonight. Game time for the senior high games will be approximately 6 p.m.
