The Shepherd Pirates entered Livingston on Friday night facing long odds, missing three senior starters and taking the floor with just 60 percent of their usual starting lineup against one of the most veteran-heavy teams in the district, the Livingston Lions.
From the opening tip, it was clear the night would be a test of endurance and pride rather than a battle of depth. Just days removed from a physical matchup against Huffman, the Pirates knew they would need to hunker down and fight through four quarters against a disciplined and senior-led Livingston squad.
Shepherd did manage to control the opening tip, won by center Brayden White, who once again anchored the Pirates’ effort in the paint. White battled relentlessly under the basket and turned in a strong individual performance, finishing with 25 points and an impressive 12-for-13 showing at the free-throw line.
Despite White’s effort, Livingston’s experience and depth quickly took control. The Lions opened the game with a dominant first quarter, building a 24-13 lead, and never looked back. Their balanced offense and ability to score from both inside and beyond the arc kept constant pressure on a depleted Shepherd rotation.
By halftime, the Lions stretched the lead to 48-24. The Pirates attempted to regroup during the break, but Livingston continued to capitalize in the second half, knocking down shots at will and maintaining a relentless pace that proved difficult for Shepherd to match.
The final score, 94-52, reflected the uphill battle the Pirates faced throughout the night.
•The Shepherd Pirates continue to battle through adversity as injuries have sidelined two varsity starters, forcing the team to adjust game plans and rotations. Facing a solid Huffman Falcons squad Tuesday night, the Pirates made it clear early that effort and heart would not be in short supply.
The score, though, ended up in the Falcons’ favor, 58-43.
Despite missing 40 percent of their starting lineup, Shepherd came out with high energy and purpose. The Pirates controlled the tempo in the opening quarter, finishing the period with a narrow 15-13 lead. That momentum carried into the second quarter as Shepherd elevated its defensive pressure and executed efficiently on offense, pushing the advantage to a 32-27 lead at halftime.
The turning point came after the break. Huffman made key defensive adjustments, committing to double- and triple-teaming Shepherd’s dominant center, Brayden White, effectively shutting down the paint and holding him scoreless in the third quarter. With the interior taken away, the Pirates were forced to shift their scoring focus to the perimeter.
Shepherd responded with effort and confidence from beyond the arc. Jamal Horton knocked down three three-pointers on the night, accounting for nine points and keeping the Pirates within reach. Still, Huffman capitalized on the defensive adjustment and edged ahead, taking a slim 41-39 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Entering the fourth, Coach Jeremy Bennett adjusted the game plan, emphasizing ball movement and outside shooting. While Shepherd continued to battle, Huffman countered by closing out the corners and contesting the perimeter, limiting late scoring opportunities and allowing the Falcons to pull away down the stretch.
Benjamin Coyle led the Pirates in scoring with 13 points and went 1-for-3 at the free-throw line. Horton finished with nine points, all from three-point range. White added eight points and went 4-for-6 at the line, battling constant pressure throughout the second half.
The Trojans lost a 75-73 squeaker to Anderson-Shiro on Jan. 16.
