By Kyle Roberts
Both of Ruston’s basketball teams took home wins Friday night against West Ouachita in District 2-5A matchups with the girls winning 50-36 and boys following with a 75-24 victory.
“I’m proud of how we played through adversity tonight,” Ruston girls’ head coach Meredith Graf said. “West Ouachita really shot the ball well and played hard from the tip. We struggled to score at times and gave up too many second chance points in the first half. I loved how we responded in the second half. The fourth quarter was tight until a series of transition baskets to help us separate in the last four minutes. Heart and effort will continue to be what keeps us in ball games.”
After being tied 28-28 after the third quarter, the Lady Bearcats outscored West Ouachita 22-8 in the fourth quarter to take the win. Junior Jaliyah McWain led Ruston’s scorers with 24 points, while junior Aakeyliah Jones added 14.
On the boys’ side, the game was never in doubt as the Bearcats cruised to a 75-24 victory.
“This past week was a chance for us to work on a few things for West Monroe and Ouachita,” Ruston head coach Ryan Bond said.
Sophomore Joran Parker led the way with 22 points after knocking down six three-pointers. Senior Braylan McNeal added 11 points, while junior Lonnie Dimmer scored 10.
Both teams will be on the road this week against West Monroe on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and then at Ouachita Friday, Feb. 3.
