Varsity Rangers Fight Hard, but Lose in Overtime to Abbeville Christian, 65-64, in AISA Region Contest

ABBEVILLE, AL, Dec. 12 - The Varsity Rangers basketball team used a smothering man-to-man defense and its trademark half court trap to great effectiveness, but fell short to lose by a single point in overtime, 65 - 64, to Abbeville Christian Academy. 

The loss gives the Rangers a 3 - 2 record on the season.  The Rangers return home to the friendly confines of the Lyman Ward Gym on Monday, Dec. 15, for a region contest versus Shelby Academy.  The Junior Varsity game tips off at 5:00 p.m., while the Varsity game begins at 6:00 p.m. CST.

The lead changed hands several times during the game, and was tied 59 - 59 at the end of regulation play.  Abbeville's senior Dillon Wilson hit two crucial free throws with two seconds remaining to seal the win, as his team outscored Lyman Ward 6 - 5 in the four-minute overtime period.

Senior post Kyle Johnson achieved his first double-double of the young season with 22 points and 11 rebounds.  Freshman guard Amory Thompson contributed 16 points and seven rebounds, while senior guard Justin Minor added 10 points, seven rebounds, and six steals.  Freshman guard Justin Quinn had eight points and seven rebounds, and senior post Zavious Darling had eight points and a season-high 12 rebounds.

"We played with great intensity on the defensive end, and fell one point short tonight," said Coach Jeff Damron.  "Abbeville is a tough place to play.  We need to learn to be more patient offensively while continuing our defensive pressure.  We missed some key layups and free throws that would have made the difference."

The Rangers travel to South Montgomery County Academy on Tuesday, Dec. 16, for their last game before the Christmas break.  Tipoff time is 5:00 p.m. CST.