By By Lori Dann
Defense was the prevailing theme Tuesday night when Escambia County and Hillcrest-Evergreen tangled in Atmore.
The Blue Devil defense proved to be the better of the two units, holding Hillcrest to just 13 points in the first half en route to a 43-39 victory. In addition, ECHS held a major rebounding edge, collecting 45 board while Hillcrest had just 27.
The Blue Devils took an early 11-6 lead in the game and held a 16-13 edge at the half. They pushed their lead to 28-22 at the end of the third period and eventually got it to seven points at 43-36 late in the final period.
A three-pointer by Hillcrest cut the final margin to four points.
Terrence McNeil had a big game for ECHS, pouring in 16 points to go along with 14 rebounds, both team highs.
Barrett Finney contributed 11 points, followed by Rickey Craft with five points and 11 rebounds.
Other Blue Devils in the scoring column were Anthony McCants with three points and Steven Moore, Damien Robinson, Levia Hubert and Terrell McNeil with two points apiece.
ECHS improved to 4-1 with the win and was scheduled to face Frisco City on Friday. The Blue Devils will travel to Northview next Tuesday to take on the Chiefs.