WMCS boys earn first victory in Winterfest game

Black Knights get in the win column over Marvell Academy

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

The West Memphis Christian School Black Knights logged their first win of the season in front of a hometown crowd. The Knights came up big for their Winter Homecoming against the Marvell Academy Eagles.

After the Eagles flew out to an 8-0 lead, Black Knights head coach Josh Pardue called a time out to regroup and come up with a game plan. The boys took to the floor with a renewed attitude and began running the offense at a faster pace with quicker ball handling. By the end of the first quarter the Black Knights erased the deficit and held onto a close lead throughout the remainder of the game. The boys pulled away during a parade of foul shooting at the end, winning 50-41.

The game tipped on the faster offensive pace but the Black Knight did not rest on defense either. Ryan Stewart rose to swat monster swooping blocks on consecutive Eagles possessions in the third quarter. Austin LaRue bombed one from beyond the arch but drove the base line scoring on two impressive reverse lay-ups. ‘The crowd came to its feet witnessing the inspirational play and provided energy for the team to persevere to the victorious finish.

Coach Josh Pardue expressed gratitude for the team getting of the schneid for the season.

“I am so very proud of how these boys fought and played,” said Pardue.

Stewart finished with six points before fouling out with aggressive play. Austin LaRue led team scoring with 13 points including one from three point land. Two other Black Knights popped from downtown. Nathan Hunter and Braden Jones notched three point shots.

The team contended aggressively on defense as revealed in the foul count, numbering at 26 for the game.

The Lady Black Knights fell to the Lady Eagles in the night cap after Winterfest activities. The Eagles nearly doubled up the home team winning 61-32. Grace Patterson led team scoring with 13 including a 3 pointer.

Black Knights Ryan Stewart rumbled in the paint during the homecoming game, here shooting for an easy two with an opponent on his back. Stewart also thrilled the home town crowd with two high flying rejections in the third quarter. His spirited play ignited the team to its first victory of the year.

Photo by John Rech

Lady Black Knights Grace Patterson popped for two points in the third quarter against the visiting Lady Eagles of Marvell Academy. Patterson scored a baker’s dozen in the losing effort.

Photo by John Rech

Black Knights Austin Larue worked for room to drive baseline for a nifty reverse lay-up against the visiting Eagles. LaRue led the team in scoring.

By John Rech