By Kyle Roberts
MONROE, La. — A second half scoring explosion for Ruston High Friday night by senior Aidan Anding and sophomore Ahmad Hudson came off the heels of a terrific defensive performance as the Bearcats (11-4, 2-0 District 2-5A) bested the Neville Tigers (15-8, 0-2 District 2-5A) 58-46 in a road district contest.
Ruston High Assistant Coach Corey Deans was quick to credit his team’s defensive effort (particularly by senior Zheric Hill), creating opportunities for Anding and Hudson to combine for 30 of the Bearcats’ 36 second half points in the win.
“The key to the game was Hill’s defense,” Deans said. “When he’s in the game, he’s able to guard the other team’s best player and shut them down. And then (Anding) added the pressure to their point guard — they couldn’t get into their offense because of the pressure. I didn’t feel like we played well offensively, but we got a lot of points off of our defense.”
The Tigers opened up with a 14-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, with Ruston getting five early points by senior Joran Parker on a made basket and then a three-pointer. Sophomore Zaterrion Sutton gave Ruston a first quarter basket as did Hudson.
Ruston rallied to take a 22-22 tie into the locker room at the half on three more points by Sutton and two more three-pointers by Parker. Hudson added four points on a basket and two made free throws.
After holding Neville to just seven points in the third quarter, Ruston shot out to a 10-point lead heading into the fourth, thanks to four made free throws by Anding, a basket by Parker and 11 points by Hudson.
Anding finished with seven fourth-quarter points, while Hudson added eight, giving Hudson 25 and Anding 11 total for the game.
Parker totaled 13 points for Ruston, as well on the night.
“I thought (Parker) had a good shooting game,” Deans said. “He’s really been shooting well in the last couple of games.”
And while sophomore Keshun Malcolm may not have his best stat-line of the season scoring-wise, Deans added how important his role was in the win after collecting six rebounds on the night.
“Every night, they load up on Keshun now,” Deans said. “He doesn’t get any good looks anymore because of the other team’s defense.”
As the Bearcats continue toward district-play, Deans said he is pleased overall with how well the team is playing.
“Our team chemistry keeps getting better,” Dean said in conclusion. “Our leaders are really stepping up, and we’re talking more, and it’s deciding the game for us.”
Ruston returns to action at home Tuesday, Jan. 28, against Gibsland-Coleman following the varsity girls’ matchup, which is set for 5:30 p.m.
Score by quarter
Ruston: 9+13+17+19=58
Neville: 14+8+7+17=46
