COLDSPRING — In previous encounters between the two teams, Coldspring and Shepherd, the Pirates had consistently dominated the gym floor by 20-plus points. However, this was not the case in this year’s Battle of San Jacinto County, with Coldspring taking a 50-43 win.
Shepherd was missing two key players, allowing the Trojans to rotate fresh legs into the game regularly. The first quarter ended with the Trojans leading by a single point, 11-10. In the second quarter, Coldspring made their intentions clear by posting 17 points to Shepherd’s 13. The halftime score stood at 28-23, with the Trojans holding onto a single-digit lead.
Both teams played a balanced third quarter, scoring 8 points each.
The standout player for the Trojans was Bryan Douglas, who scored an impressive 21 points. His contributions included four three-point shots, four two-point field goals, and a perfect 2-for-2 at the foul line.
For the Pirates, the high scorer was their big center, Brayden White, who tallied 21 points and 12 rebounds. White made five two-pointers and went 11-for-13 at the foul line.
On Friday, Coldspring lost to Navasota 61-44.
Shepherd
The Pirates made a statement in their matchup against the Liberty Panthers, overcoming a short roster of just eight players, with a 66-41 win on Friday.
Shepherd outscored the Panthers 20-6 in the first quarter, setting the tone for the game.
Coach Jeremy Bennett praised the team’s performance, stating, “We were executing well and hitting our shots. It was a good night for us.”
Sophomore Brayden White controlled the paint, contributing 15 points and creating opportunities for his teammates. “When they double-team me, I just pop the ball out to a free teammate, and it gives them a chance to score,” White said.
Rogelio Covarrubias led the Pirates with 17 points, followed closely by Braydon Mettlen with 16.
Girls
Shepherd
The Lady Pirates faced a tough night against the Liberty Lady Panthers on Friday, losing 42-22.
Struggling offensively, Shepherd managed only 3 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for an uphill battle. Despite the rough start, the Lady Pirates showcased their resilience and fought hard until the final buzzer.
In the second quarter, the Lady Pirates added 7 points, heading into halftime with a total of 10. Meanwhile, the Lady Panthers dominated early, scoring 12 points in the first quarter and following up with 9 more in the second, taking a 21-10 lead at the half.
The Lady Pirates continued to push, scoring 5 points in the third quarter and 7 in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lady Panthers’ momentum.
Jaz Richardson led Shepherd with 9 points, followed by Aaliyah Thomas with 8.
Coldspring
On Dec. 29, the Lady Trojans lost to Buna 39-35, and on Friday, outscored Crockett 2-1 for a 48-23 win.
