Sports
Eastern Lady Eagles Smother Wahama
By: Brandon Monty
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Through four games this season, the Eastern Lady Eagles have taken the phrase “Defense wins championships” to heart.
Despite some early shooting struggles, the Eagles used a relentless full-court press and tough brand of defense to hold off the Lady White Falcons. The final was 47-37, as the green and white held Wahama to 21% shooting in the first half and soared off to a 30-11 halftime lead.
Offensively, Jess Parker carried the load for the Eagles in the first half with 18 points, as the Eastern point guard hit four three-pointers and scored all of her points in the first two frames. Alyson Bailey struggled shooting early on, but picked things up in the third quarter and finished with 10 points to compliment Parker’s night.
Parker and Bailey also had two steals to help spearhead the suffocating Eagle defense. Head coach Jacob Parker had nothing but praise for his senior back-court duo’s performance.
“Jess played a great game,” Parker said. “She took shots that were available to her, didn’t try to force anything, and the shots she hit were big for us. Alyson struggled early on shooting wise, but once she saw a couple shots go in, she found her rhythm and helped us close out the victory.”
Wahama turned in a much better offensive performance in the second half, largely in part from a dominant two quarters from Emma Gibbs. The Lady White Falcons forward’s number was called several times in the post throughout the second half, and she answered the call, posting an impressive 16 points and 16 rebounds.
Despite Gibbs’ double-double, the White Lady Falcons were plagued by poor free-throw shooting throughout the evening. Wahama was unable to capitalize on their free opportunities, converting on just six of their 21 free throws. They cut the deficit to as low as eight in the fourth, but the Lady Eagles held on to win their second straight and improve to 3-0 in conference play as well.
The Lady Eagles will look to defend home court once again next Tuesday, December 10th when they host Warren.