Goshen – Denzil Green’s last second heave fell short as Goshen fell to cross-county rival Pike County 45-42 Friday night in Goshen. The win for Pike County gives the Bulldogs a season sweep over their rivals to the west.

The Eagles roared back from 15 points down with 3:31 to go, and had a chance to send the game to overtime on Green’s heave.

During the closing run, Eagles put in a complete different five-man rotation. Goshen head coach Johnny Mitchell said that the fresh players played more relaxed.

“We put in a fresh five looking to get a spark and we got one,” said Mitchell. “Those guys played with nothing to lose, a little more loose. We have to get all our guys to let the mistakes happen as they may, and keep playing.”

While Mitchell was happy with the way his team closed the game out, Pike County head coach Doug Branson wasn’t so thrilled.

“I will definitely take a win any day,” said Branson said. “I didn’t like the way we finished, but we will work on that. We have to limit our mistakes, and we will continue to get better. This win is good for our confidence.”

The teams were tied at 17 at halftime, but the Bulldogs used a quick start to the third quarter to gain a lead they never would relinquish.

Deshon Cowling and Ryshawn Hall combined to score eight points early in the second half, as Pike County outscored Goshen 15-9 in the third quarter.

The opening segment of the fourth quarter was also controlled by the Bulldogs. Cowling and Hall went to work again, scoring six points in an 11 second period midway through the quarter.

Branson said that he felt neither team shot the ball very well, but was satisfied with the win.

“I believe both Goshen and us could have built a couple of condominiums with all the bricks we put up tonight,” said Branson with a smile. “But a win is a win.”

Green scored 10 points to led Goshen. Leading scorer for Pike County was Hall with 15.

The win for the Bulldogs was their third of the season, and second over Goshen. The Eagles remain winless on the season.

The Goshen girls team was able to pull away late to best the Pike County Lady Dawgs 46-22. At the 6:46 mark of the fourth quarter Pike County tied the game up at 20. After that bucket, the Eagles would take command and end the game on a 26-2 run.

The Goshen girls were led by Ivia Pollard with 24 points, and Katie Thomas added 10.

Pike County will travel to Ariton on Monday while Goshen hosts Highland Home on Tuesday.