Pope boys win, girls fall to Lafayette

By Ashley Crutcher
The Pope boys basketball team is 5-2 after a defeat over Independence last Thursday, 21-17.
Both teams were slow to score in the first, with Pope scoring first with 2:15 left in the quarter. Lidarrick Brooks kicked off scoring a basket, followed by an extra point on a free throw shot by L. B. Benson.
Montarious Flowers was the last to score in the first for the Bulldogs with another field goal. Independence made its first point on a free throw with five seconds left in the first.
Pope was quick to continue scoring in the second with three back-to-back field goals.
Benson, Kavion Bobo, and Brooks scored in the first two minutes of the second with rebounds by Lataurus Carruth and Brooks. Independence stepped into gear and answered with a basket to end the second. Pope led the Wildcats 11-5.
Flowers started off the second half by taking the ball to the house for another two points. Independence tried to put up points but were cut short at the net as Carruth stole the ball for Pope.
Carruth passed to Brooks down the court who sunk the ball for two more points. Independence was still unable to answer as Brooks stole the ball and managed to shoot for another two points.
Independence was down by 12 with 2:40 left in the third. Independence managed to score six points with  two field goals and two free throws.
Independence scored first in the final quarter. Pope answered as the ball was passed to Wray Willis who made the shot for two points. Independence answered fast, scoring five seconds after Pope. Independence scored again before Pope got the ball back for the final play.
Benson threw for two as Brooks got the rebound, keeping the ball out of Independence’s hands. Pope managed to run the clock down and take the win, 21-17.
Independence (G) 27,
Pope 14
The Lady Bulldogs took off scoring with a basket by Tyler Hamby and Katie Calvert.
Independence followed, scoring four points of their own. Calvert got the rebound and scored four points on two shots.
Independence caught up to the Lady Bulldogs on two free throws. Independence scored again to end the first with two back to back field goals.
The Lady Bulldogs struggled to keep possession of the ball as they faced down Independence. Independence took off scoring in the second with three baskets and a free throw. Pope was unable to score in the second.
Haven Dulin scored a field goal to start the second half. Independence answered with a field goal and a free throw. Calvert rebounded and passed to Hamby who scored another two points for the Lady Bulldogs.
Independence began the final quarter with another basket. Dulin took the ball to the net for the final two points for the Lady Bulldogs.
Independence took the win with scoring three field goals for the final score of 27-14.
Pope will face Lafayette for the second time at home Thursday at 5 p.m.