By Kyle Roberts
Ruston High’s basketball squads both took down West Monroe Tuesday night in their respective District 2-5A openers at home with the girls winning the first game 55-35 and the top-ranked boys taking the second game 65-41.
After a close game midway through the second quarter, the Lady Bearcats began to pull away and outscored the Lady Rebels 28-14 in the second half to get the win.
“I’m proud of the effort put forth tonight and the progress that’s been made by this group,” Lady Bearcat head coach Meredith Graf said. “They are working hard and doing the little things right to put themselves in position to have success. We will enjoy this one tonight and turn the page to Ouachita for Friday.”
Junior Jaliyah McWain led Ruston in scoring with 21 points overall, while sophomore Kiersynce McNeal added 11 points.
On the boys side, the Bearcats led 32-23 at halftime and held West Monroe to only 18 points in the second half.
“I’m proud of the players,” Bearcat head coach Ryan Bond said. “West Monroe played hard throughout. Our guys had to earn everything. District is a new season. Teams are going to give us their best shot every night.”
Sophomore Aidan Anding finished with 16 points to lead the Bearcats in scoring, while senior Braylan McNeal totaled 13.
Both teams return to action Friday night at home against Ouachita to continue district play.
