Varsity Basketball Team Drops Tough Home Contest to Chambers Academy

CAMP HILL - Lyman Ward's varsity basketball team fell to 4 - 3 on the season after losing a tough region game at the hands of visiting Chambers Academy, 73 - 62, on Jan. 7.  The game was a make-up contest for the game that was postponed late in the first quarter on Dec. 9 due to excessive moisture on the floor of the gym.

The game was resumed with 47.4 seconds remaining in the first quarter, and Chambers leading, 14 - 10.  The visiting Rebels of Coach Jason Allen outscored the Rangers 20 - 8 in the second quarter to take a 48 - 28 lead at halftime.  The Fighting Rangers rallied in the third quarter to cut the lead to 54 - 45, but the Rebels took advantage of turnovers and poor shooting in the fourth stanza to seal the win.

Chambers' senior post player Ryan Smith led the Rebel scoring parade with 22 points, while senior guard Daniel McKeldric added 15 markers.  Senior wing  Justin Minor led the Rangers with a game-high 33 points.  Senior post Kyle Johnson contributed 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while freshman wing Amory Thompson added nine points and six rebounds.

"We were as flat as a pancake in the first half," said Coach Jeff Damron.  "We came back somewhat in the second half, but we ran out of gas pretty early.  We've only been back in school for two days since our two-week holiday break, and while that is not an excuse, it was a factor in our play tonight."

The Rangers play at Dixie Academy in Louisville, AL, on Jan. 8, then travel to Lighthouse Christian in Montgomery on Jan. 10.