In a close game, foul shooting usually makes the difference. On Thursday night before Christmas at the Cove, Liberty Benton was 8-8 from the line to finish the game and 19-23 while the Pirates were 12-24. The Pirate and Eagle boys came out of the gate even 14 all after one. The Eagles took a 31-28 advantage into half. The Eagles extended their lead to 7 as play entered the fourth, 45-38. The Pirates rallied and got within 1, 53-52 with just over a minute left. The Eagles scored 8 of the games last nine points for the 61-53 victory.
The Pirates were led by Wade Stauffer with 19 points and Jacob Williams with 17 points. Trevor Williamson had 9 points. Tyler Brecht and Caleb Olds both had 4 points. Staffer, Williamson, and Olds all had one 3 pointer for the Pirates.
Both teams are now 5-2. The Pirates next host Patrick Henry on Thursday, January 5 in a non-league encounter.
–Mike Jones, Sportswriter
