Lady Bulldogs gaining confidence, chemistry in Missouri tourney

Lady Bulldogs gaining confidence, chemistry in Missouri tourney

Earle girls pick up win over Poplar Bluff

sports@theeveningtimes.com

The Earle Lady Bulldogs (5-1 overall, 3-0 conference) defeated Poplar Bluff High School 60-46, winning its opening game of the Southeast Missouri Boarder Challenge Tournament.

The tournament in Missouri which consist of teams from Arkansas, Mississippi as well as Missouri includes at least two more games for the Lady Bulldogs.

Lady Bulldogs Head Coach Corey Garrett believes that along with wins his team is earning valuable experience and confidence.

“It’s invaluable experience,” Garrett said. “We’re turning this into a team builder. It’s a heck of a confidence booster and it’s going to springboard us into a heck of a season.”

Being so far away from home increases the Earle ladies’ dependence on each other; something Garrett hopes will transition into their play on the court.

“You spend time together, become a real team,” Garrett said. “They spend a lot of time together at school but now we’re on the road for three days with just coaches and players. You learn to count on one another. You’re in a position where you can’t afford to let each other down. It’s a lot of fun and a really good team builder.”

Last night’s win represents the fourth straight victory for the Lady Bulldogs who are finally playing with their entire roster for the first time this season.

“We finally have our whole team,” Garrett said.

“We were a different team today. Even though we’ve been winning we’ve been playing without two or three starters. Some girls who don’t usually get to play have played big minutes and the entire team has played tenaciously on defense.”

Playing with the entire roster, the Lady Bulldogs held a 29-point lead at one point in their first tournament game over Poplar Bluff High School.

RoShala Scott led the way for Earle, recording 20 points and nine rebounds.

Laderyca Childs pumped in 12 points for the Lady Bulldogs and Alexandria Logan chipped in six points while snagging eight boards.

With the experience and confidence the Lady Bulldogs are gaining in Missouri, Garrett believes the ladies will be a dangerous team throughout the rest of the season.

“Playing against bigger schools has given us a lot of confidence,” Garrett said. “We feel that we’re capable of playing against anyone.”

The Lady Bulldogs take the floor tonight against the Dexter Lady Bearcats in Missouri at 8 p.m. The Earle girls return to their home court when they take on conference foe Armorel, December 16th in Earle.

By Collins Peeples