While January rings in the new year, high school basketball across the state resumed their conference basketball schedules this week. For the Paris basketball program, the Eagles and Lady Eagles hosted Charleston on Tuesday and then made the trip to southwest Arkansas to play at Cossatot River. And when the dust settled, it was a conference split for the Paris boys, losing to Charleston and then defeating Cossatot River. For the Lady Eagles, their struggles continued with a pair of conference losses on the week.
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Both the Paris boys and girls programs have struggled as of late. The girls, started the season with just six players on the roster, and added senior Jacee Hart last week. But an injury to junior Brailey Forst has also hindered the team. It has been an uphill battle for the Paris girls, and the team now will turn its attention to perhaps the toughest stretch of the conference season with upcoming games with conference powers Cedarville and Booneville.
The Eagles boys team continues to search for consistency in scoring. Inconsistent outside shooting has hurt the Eagles throughout the season, and new coach Josh Ferrell continues to search for outside scoring. Bright spots for the Eagles have included seniors Mequeil Ellingberg that has been a force under the basket, and Jude Simmons who has brought energy and tough play inside for the Eagles.
According to Scorebook Live, the Paris girls are now 2-3 on the conference season. The Paris boys are 3-2 in conference play, and 11-5 overall. They have a big game next week against the Cedarville Pirates that, with a win, could move them up to third place in the conference. Both teams need a big home crowd next week to support the teams in this important stretch in the conference schedule.
Resident Press will be in Paris and Booneville next week to bring you coverage of the Paris games. Stay with Resident Press for complete coverage. So, put on your winter gear and head to Paris Gymnasium next week for a very important conference match-up!
See you there!
