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Thursday showcased an exciting continuation of the rivalry between The Calhoun School Tigers and the Central-Hayneville Lions with an action-packed basketball game hosted by Calhoun on Jan. 11.  The matchup proved to be a riveting one with the Calhoun Tigers scoring a decisive triumph over the Central Lions. 

Jakeem Davison, varsity boys coach at Calhoun, said although the Tigers came out with a win, there are a few things they need to improve as the season moves forward. 

“The team was able to come out with energy and composure despite knowing that it was a rival game,” Davison said. “Transitions from defense to offense, running the floor, and playing defense as a whole were executed best. We need more points and efforts coming off the bench.”

The Tigers took the lead early on with a score of 25-13 to finish out the first quarter. Calhoun then began to gradually pull away in the second quarter, ending with a score of 47-23 going into the half. 

After the first half, the Lions picked up momentum but were no match for the Tigers who continued to blow ahead, ending with 74-42 at the end of the 3rd. Both teams continued at the same pace, ultimately finishing with a score of 88-51.

The game brings the Tigers’ record up to 8-5 overall while bringing the Lions’ to 1-12 overall. 

Although the Lions lost, their head coach Brian Coleman said that he admires that the team did not give up. 

“We played as a team and didn’t quit. The boys played all the way to the end.” Coleman said. 

Despite the loss, the Lions hope to learn from their mistakes Thursday night and develop a plan for their games moving forward in the season. 

“There were a lot of easy layups missed and we didn’t execute on defense as well as I thought we could have. I want to improve our ball security and continue to make free throws as well as being able to take advantage of the team’s mistakes.” 

The rivals will face off again on Jan. 19 for the inaugural Big John Williams Hardwood Classic at Central-Hayneville High School.