By By Matthew Nascone
The Escambia Academy Lady Cougars defeated Clarke Prep 53-37 in the championship game of the EA Christmas Classic Dec. 20 to claim the tournament trophy.
Lori Bonds led the Lady Cougars with 27 points in what EA head coach Heath Gibson called a breakout performance.
"Bonds had a great night and that is what we have been waiting for all season from her," Gibson said. "She scored 13 of those points in the first quarter."
Gibson said the game was close all night and EA led 36-30 at the end of the third quarter, but the play of the defense in the final quarter sealed the victory.
"We didn't allow any baskets from the field in the fourth quarter and we allowed only four points from the free throw line all quarter," Gibson said. "That was the best fourth quarter we have played all year."
Gibson said he was impressed with the play of the entire team. The team shot 70 percent from the free throw line.
Bonds led the scoring with 27 points. Courtney Smith added 10 points, Jaime Drew six points, Heather White five points, Allison Thomas two points and Clare Jones one point.
The Lady Cougars participate in the Lee-Scott Tournament December 29-December 31.
In boys action
EA head coach Kevin Woods was not available for comment during the Christmas break. Gibson said the boys lost to Central Christian.
The Cougars next game is January 3 against Monroe at 4 p.m.