After two close calls in the Jackie Laird Tournament at Biloxi High Gymnasium on Christmas weekend, the Long Beach Bearcats (6-7) remain hopeful for the 2018 district schedule.
“I doubt that you can find another team on the Coast that has played a schedule as tough as we have,” said Long Beach Boys Head Basketball Coach Joel Boone. “We played two close games against tough teams, but we haven’t figured out how to close yet.”
Vigor (Mobile, AL) 52, Long Beach 44
“We came from behind against this solid team with a chance to win, but made a few mistakes,” said Boone. The Wolves led the entire game and won Friday night.
Hewitt-Trussville (AL) 50, Long Beach 46
Neither team had more of a five-point difference through-out the game, as the Huskies led by 5 at the half, 27-22. Bearcat small forward Calvin Johnson connected a few three-point buckets to slim the lead during the third period.
The Huskies shot 32 free throws compared to 6 by the Bearcats from the charity stripe along with a few Long Beach turnovers toward the end, which led to the loss.
“You think that you have a good chance with possession of the ball on the last drive,” said Boone, “but it didn’t turn out that way.”
Johnson had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Bearcats. Senior Center Jaidon Evans and Johnson made the All-Tournament Team.
