WADESBORO — The Ellerbe Middle School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams traveled to Anson Middle School Monday looking to end a pair of losing streaks.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats and Lady Wildcats, both teams would suffer a road loss to their Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference opponent.
Wildcats nearly edge Bearcats, rally falls short
The boys’ game came down to the final few seconds, with a chance for the Wildcats to tie, but Ellerbe ultimately fell 33-30. It marked their third straight loss and their overall record fell to 1-4 on the season.
Dalan Utley would lead the scoring for the Wildcats, netting 10 points. He had five points in both the second and fourth quarters. Helping him out with nine points apiece were Conner Utley and Freddy Hill.
Conner Utley had five of the team’s seven points in the first quarter, before adding two field goals in the second half. Hill spread his scoring over the second, third and fourth frames, leading the way with five of Ellerbe’s seven points in the third.
Finishing the scoring for the Wildcats was Vance Goodwin, who put in a bucket during the first quarter.
The Wildcats trailed 8-7 after the first quarter and were just down six points at the break. A slow quarter by the Bearcats in the third allowed Ellerbe to claw back within two points, 23-21, but the home team pulled out the win late.
Ellerbe will take some time off before hosting Spring Hill Middle School on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m.
Lady Wildcats struggle at Anson
Prior to the boys’ game, the Lady Wildcats didn’t have as much luck keeping the game close. Ellerbe lost to the Lady Bearcats 52-7.
Taniya Chandler scored three points, while teammates Adena Gibson scored two free throws and Symone Terry added a field goal.
Ellerbe (0-5) will look to enter the win column for the first time this season when they host the Lady Spartans next Wednesday at 4 p.m.
