High school basketball: Eastside snaps losing skid with 72-33 win over Saint Francis Catholic
The Eastside Rams' boys' basketball team snapped its four-game losing streak on Thursday night when it traveled to Saint Francis Catholic (4-11) and brought home a 72-33 win, which ended the Wolves' three-game win streak.
The Rams were able to string together a 25-point quarter in the opening period thanks to scoring from seven different players.
Eastside sophomore Michael Cottrell led the Rams' scoring efforts in the opening eight minutes with seven points off of three field goals and a made free throw. Cottrell finished the night with 12 points.
Meanwhile, fellow underclassman, freshman Elijah Lee contributed six of his eight points in the opening quarter.
"I'm happy for the kids to come out here and get this victory," Eastside head coach Pop Williams said. "They had a good little practice yesterday and I just told them I wanted everyone to play and just get out there and enjoy playing."
By halftime, the Rams had constructed a 40-18 lead over the Wolves, who were led by junior Tyler Dey in the first half with six points.
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Three-pointers highlight third quarter
Trailing by 22 points, Saint Francis opened the second half with a three from junior Cole Redding to cut Eastside's lead to under 20 points.
However, the Wolves' bench was quickly silenced as Eastside junior Ben Davis answered Redding's trey with a three of his own.
After another trip down the floor, Davis once again nailed a shot from deep to help the Rams extend their lead back out to 25.
"Ben is a tough kid," Williams said of Davis, who also plays on Eastside's golf and tennis teams. "Golf, tennis... whatever. He's very athletic of a kid of his caliber. Just to have him being able to shoot the ball and swing a club and a tennis racquet, it's amazing because it's all different swings. He's just that type of kid who likes to work to get better."
Davis finished the night as Eastside's scoring leader with 14 points on the night.
Rallying Rams put game on ice in the fourth
With a comfortable 54-24 lead heading into the final quarter, Eastside never relented as the Rams orchestrated a 13-0 run to force a dagger into the game.
Cottrell and junior Jemall Dix each scored five points in the final quarter, while Eastside senior Xzaevion Benton scored four points for the Rams.
"I think everyone was having fun tonight," Williams said. "It wasn't too much pressure and I think some were relaxed and they really got into the feel. So that was positive."
Meanwhile, four different players for Saint Francis tallied points in the final quarter of play with Dey, who led the Wolves with 18 points, putting up two points in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead
The Rams will look to keep its momentum as they look to avenge their previous loss to Buchholz at home on Saturday night at 7:30.
"Hopefully the kids continue to do well and keep their confidence up on Saturday," Williams said.
Meanwhile, Saint Francis will host Newberry on Friday night at 7.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Boys basketball: Saint Francis Wolves fall to Eastside Rams 72-33
