Trojans knock off Crusaders

PARKERS CHAPEL – In recent weeks, Parkers Chapel suffered close losses to Union County rivals Strong and Smackover by a combined seven points.

On Friday night, the Trojans reversed that trend and avenged a loss from earlier this season by topping Columbia Christian 62-56 on Friday night.

Ethan Mayweather had 17 points and Eli McNabb added 14 points for the Trojans (7-11), who fell 54-48 at Columbia Christian back in November.

“I'm very proud of our guys,” said Parkers Chapel coach Josh Langley.

“We have struggled to finish tight ballgames, and our guys stepped up and made the winning plays we needed to win.”

The game was a nipand-tuck affair with the Trojans leading 8-6 at the end of the first quarter and 24-23 at intermission before taking a 35-31 edge at the end of the third quarter.

In addition to Mayweather and McNabb, Dakylan Hampton had nine points, while Dyson Dougan and Tanner Hazelwood added eight points apiece. Will Hardy had four points and AJ Harris added two points to round out the Trojans' scoring.

For Langley, there was a key factor for the Trojans' success.

“We did a much better job on the little things it takes to win ballgames,” Langley said. “AJ Harris hit the floor multiple times for loose balls, McNabb and Mayweather attacked the rim much better. We had several guys step up and make big shots. I thought as a team we did a much better job in our execution and taking care of the ball across the board.”

The Trojans, who are 3-0 in the 8-2A, return to league action on Tuesday by hosting a league showdown against Junction City.