By Kyle Roberts
Following a tough loss to Wossman Thursday night, Ruston’s boys (4-6) picked up a win over Frankston High out of Texas by a final score of 58-39 in Memorial Gym on the campus of Louisiana Tech University.
“It’s an improvement from yesterday,” Ruston High head coach Ryan Bond said. “Like I said last night, I knew we’ve got really good players– we’ve got great players. And it’s just getting them back in basketball shape. And I know Frankston’s a little bit different than last night, but we knew it be. We were hoping it was a chance to work on some things and kind of find our identity. You know, we’ve got some pieces, but the guys just have to learn to work together.”
Ruston jumped out to an early 15-11 lead after the first quarter before extending the lead at halftime to 35-16 after holding Frankston to five points in the second quarter.
“It’s difficult without practice days,” Bond said. “If we had more practice days with no games. But, you know, we’re in the middle of the season. So it’s just a conditioning.”
Following Thursday night’s loss, Bond said he was pleased with how the Bearcats responded in the Frankston victory.
“I think the ball movement; taking care of the ball was the biggest thing,” Bond said. “We rebounded better, especially at the start the game. Our defensive intensity was better. I thought we let off in the second half, but that happens when you get up 19. I thought we were ourselves a little bit more.”
Freshman KeShun Malcolm led Ruston’s scorers with 13 points on the night, senior Zhy Scott chipped in with 11 points.
Ruston will return to the road for a Monday night matchup at Gibsland-Coleman. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.
