basketball

Stunned as if a good boxer had just been caught with a startling left hook and a stultifying right, Red Oak a local basketball power for years, was stunned by Ennis, 61-56, on Friday, Jan. 8.

The left was delivered throughout the match by senior southpaw Laylon Spencer, who poured in a game-high 26 points, while fearless juniors Devion Beasley and Dee Johnson made plays all night as the Lions never trailed once in four quarters. A key figure rose to the forefront in senior forward Jarveon Williams. His presence in the lane was huge, as was his point production.

A young team consumed with speed and energy has two games slated this week, Tuesday and Friday, where Ennis can make a move for a playoff berth is in sight. The Lady Lions, 4-10, are at Corsicana (1-5) on Jan. 12, and then host winless Waco University on Jan. 15.

HC David Kilpatrick’s team rebounds well and presses the opposition, though their success is often thwarted by unforced passing errors. They score 41 ppg, though only sophomore Kansas King makes more than 40 percent of her shots.

An early 2-0 start in District 11-4A has boosted Ferris (9-6) and first year HC Joshua McGee out front in what is expected to be another tough boys basketball race this season. The Yellow Jackets, 23- 11 last winter, struggled to finish 3-7. They hope to learn from the experience.

It’s been years since Ennis finished on the top side of Midlothian in hoops. Tuesday’s 44-43 squeaker was as rare as the player who decided the game at the free throw line.