rematch with Elba tonight

By KEVIN PEARCEY

Sports Writer

The Goshen Eagles have made the best of second chances this year, a fact that the Elba Tigers would do well to realize before venturing into Eagles Gymnasium tonight.

Clayton handed the Eagles a 12-point loss in their third game of the season, but Goshen avenged the loss two weeks ago with an 84-68 trouncing of the Tigers

Likewise, area foe Calhoun beat Goshen 79-75, before the Eagles bounced back to beat the Tigers of Crenshaw County last Tuesday, 93-79.

What is significant about all of this?

All of the losses have come on the road, while the wins have come at home.

Now Elba, which defeated the Eagles 64-52 in Elba on Jan.18th, comes into Goshen trying not to stumble as previous teams have done and fall victim to the Eagles’ home court advantage.

Not much has changed since the two teams last meeting. Both are still in the State’s Class 3A Top Ten, with the Tigers at No. 6 and Goshen at No.7. Both teams have four losses, although the Eagles have put together their longest win streak of the season at just four games.

Both teams also feature rugged inside play and consistent outside shooting. Elba’s two big men Tim Ware and Monroe Williams combined for 40 points in the previous battle, to help the Tigers overcome a Goshen 8-point halftime lead and take the victory. Goshen counters with big 6-foot-7 junior Jermaine Simmons and 6-foot-4 Jamar Tucker.

On the outside the edge could be with the Eagles. Freshman Kendaris Pelton can shoot the soft jumper or the three and sophomore Averick Rogers has a knack for shooting the lights out, especially on home turf.

Since Elba and Goshen occupy the same sub-regional bracket, it is possible that both teams could meet again with a birth in the AHSAA regionals at Troy State on the line.

Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. at Goshen Arena and will begin with the B-Team game and the girls’ varsity and boys’ varsity following directly after.