By T. Scott Boatright
JONESBORO — Choudrant senior Michael Jones has played a heavyweight role for the Aggies’ boys basketball team so far this season.
But the big man in the middle has been a foundation for Aggies the past two seasons, and he was rewarded for those efforts Tuesday night as he notched 26 points, powering through the 1,000-point barrier in the process, as Choudrant topped Jonesboro-Hodge 52-50.
“I’m proud of how we are starting to learn to win close games,” Aggies coach Ryan Smith said. “We have come a long way from the start of the season. I think everyone who follows the program can see the improvement.
Choudrant grabbed control early, leading 16-9 at the end of the opening stanza before Jonesboro-Hodge battled back to cut the Aggies’ advantage 24-23 at intermission.
The Aggies moved back into control, outsourcing the Tigers 19-11, giving them a lead they maintained the rest of the way.
Bradon Soto added 11 points for the Aggies, who also got nine points from Carson Carrico and six from Lawson Stevens.
Jones was even more of an inside monster in that showdown, pouring in 41 points while Stevens added 12 and Soto chipped in with eight.
___________________________________
AGGIES 71, WESTON 46
WESTON – Choudrant played homecoming spoiler Friday night as red-hot the red-hot shooting Aggies defeated the rival Wolves from Jackson Parish.
Jones turned in a monster-game in that win, pouring in 41 points while Stevens hit for 12 points and Soto added eight.
Next up for the Aggies is the West Ouachita Tournament with Choudrant taking on St. Frederick Friday and Ouachita Christian on Saturday.
________________________________
GIRLS HOOPS
Lady Aggies 37, Jonesboro-Hodge 35
JONESBORO — A slow start exploded into a strong finish Tuesday night as the Choudrant girls hoopsters took a buzzer-beating road win over the Lady Tigers at Jonesboro-Hodge.
Reese Brown topped the Lady Aggies with 15 points, including the game-winning shot at the buzzer, while Brelyn Pyle added nine and Addison Swift chipped in with seven.
“I’m proud of how we are starting to learn to win close games,” said Lady Aggies coach Brandy Roberson. “We have come a long way from the start of the season. I think everyone who follows the program can see the improvement.”
Choudrant led 18-14 at the break and 27-20 at the end of the third quarter before J-Hodge fought back to tie the score at 35-35, setting the stage for the game-winning play by Brown.
Next up for the Lady Aggies is the West Ouachita Tournament with a rematch vs. Jonesboro-Hodge on Friday before taking on the host team on Saturday.
