Eagleville boys hold on to defeat Central Magnet

MURFREESBORO – Eagleville's football players started it off with their strong pressure defense, and the rest of the basketball team finished it off.

The Eagles' pressure defense was mainly applied by two-sport stars who play both football and basketball, and the Eagles built a double-digit lead that they never relinquished, as they defeated the Tigers 43-39 Thursday night.

The Tigers (0-4) cut into the double-digit lead, but Eagleville (2-2) converted free throws down the stretch to hold on to the win.

Eagleville built an early 14-2 lead as the Tigers struggled to get the ball upcourt against the Eagleville full-court pressure.

"We're trying to get the football players back acclimated," said Eagleville coach Joey Reed. "We call that the football group. Because they all played football, they're not really in basketball shape yet. So if they can give us two minutes of straight pressure, then we're going to take it.

"We needed every bit of it."

The pressure was too much for Central to handle. The Tigers made 13 first-half turnovers.

"That's been the story of our season so far," said first-year Central coach Douglas Worsley. "Most people are pressing us. We haven't handled it very well. Part of that is just guys not doing their jobs. Unfortunately it's growing pains. We all know growing pains are painful. We get frustrated at times."

The lead built to 14 at the half, 25-11.

The Tigers made adjustments and started beating the press in the second half, and cut into the lead. They got it down to six at 28-22 midway through the third quarter with an 11-3 run.

Central had several chances to get even closer, but had several missed layups.

"Those are called gimmes," said Worsley. "Unfortunately for us right now gimmes are few and far between."

The Tigers started applying strong pressure and forced Eagleville into nine second-half turnovers, only committing five in the second half. But there were also more fouls, and the Eagles were able to convert free throws down the stretch to preserve the lead.

Carson Rudd hit 6 of 8 free throws. The Eagles were 10-of-15 for the second half from the line, and didn't have any free throw attempts in the first half.

"(Coach) was telling us to knock free throws down to end the game," said Rudd. "He knew we were all tired."

Eagleville 43, Central Magnet 39

Eagleville 14 11 10 8 – 43

Central 6 5 13 15 – 39

Eagleville: Calen Parker 16, Carson Rudd 10, Petrig 8, Scofield 3, G. Parker 3, Majors 2, Hicks 1.

Central: McCrary 8, Murray 8, Bartolotto 7, Petty 6, Patrick 4, McGovern 2, Gregory 2, Benson 2.

Girls: Central 51, Eagleville 27

The Lady Tigers jumped out to a 20-0 lead and never trailed. Eagleville didn't score until there was 6:48 left in the second quarter.

Ola Obi had 16 to lead the Lady Tigers. Claudia Smith added 13, including 10 in the first half.

Central Magnet 51, Eagleville 27

Eagleville 0 10 7 10 – 27

Central 18 6 15 12 – 51

Eagleville: Lokey 5, Cobb 5, Duke 4, Barnes 4, Scott 4, Burns 2, Reed 2, Turnage 1.

Central: Ola Obi 16, Claudia Smith 13, Becca Stockton 10, Carver 6, Faulk 4, Dololen 2.