Sports Writer

ELBA – Junior guard Averick Rogers scored 23 points and pulled down four rebounds as the number five ranked Goshen Eagles avenged a pair last year’s season sweep of the Elba Tigers by administering a 76-48 pounding at Tiger Gym Tuesday night.

With the win, the Eagles (10-2) snapped Elba’s four game winning streak as the Tigers dropped to 8-4 on the 2000-2001 season heading into Friday’s area showdown in Andalusia against the Straughn Tigers.

In the first quarter, both teams got off to a slow start as neither team was able put a spurt together as the game was tied at 6-6 with two minutes remaining. However, the Eagles immediately took control by ending the period strong. With the scored tied at 12-12, the Eagles ended up the opening stanza by going on a 6-0 run to take a lead they would never relinquish.

Leading by seven points going into the second period, the Eagles began to press more in the backcourt forcing the tempo to increase. As a result, Goshen was able to rattle the Elba guards converting several turnovers into easy baskets as they finished the first half extending the lead to 43-28 at intermission.

The second half saw much of the same as the Eagles used their superior depth and speed to extend the lead by as much as 29 points as Goshen started to get the ball inside more often. With Friday’s upcoming area matchup against the Tigers from Covington County, GHS head coach Major Lane decided to empty the bench resting many of his starters.

Individually, Kendaris Pelton scored 22 points and pulled down 11 rebounds while Jamar Tucker collected 12 points in the winning effort. Darius Flowers and Jeremy Berry each finished with six points while Reggie Ginyard collected four points. GHS outrebounded Elba 26-18 while five of six shots from the foul line.

Elba (girls) 62 Goshen 23

Roshanda McKinnon scored 23 points as the Elba High School Lady Tigers improved to 12-2 with a surprisingly easy 62-23 victory over the Goshen Lady Eagles in local high school basketball action at Elba Tuesday night.

Yonnie McKinnon had 11 points and Rachel Bludsworth scored six points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Lady Tigers.

Sophomore Ashley Miniard led Goshen (5-6) with 10 points while Hope Wheeler had five points in a losing cause.

Tipoff for Friday’s game at Straughn is set for 4:30 p.m. in Andalusia.