Pirate basketball made it look easy Friday, starting with a big run and cruising to an 89-24 win over Goodrich.
Leggett started the contest on an 18-0 run that spanned the entire first quarter. It was a lead they would hold throughout. Goodrich did not score until a few seconds into the second, when they hit a three-pointer.
The Hornets made the game more competitive in the second quarter, putting up 14 points over eight minutes. Unfortunately for Goodrich, it was more than they would score in the second half.
Offense came easy for Leggett, with 10 players getting into the scoring column. That’s double the amount of participants Goodrich suited up for the contest.
“We still came out and didn't play to our potential,” Pirate coach Ra’Shod Jefferson said. “I'm missing a starter. We played good team ball, but we didn't hustle to our full capacity. Like I told them, we have to play every game like it is our last, no matter what. It will affect us in the next game, but we have to come in and work twice as hard.”
Sophomore Isaiah Henderson led Friday with 25 points, Mason Grimm had 23, Andres Paramos 14 and Joh’vonn Scott 11. Zatavius Bowens led Goodrich with nine points, Joshua James had six, and Sky Wrightson five.
Jefferson said he wants to see more from his group. They are currently tied for third place at 3-2 in District 28-1A. Brookeland is leading the pack, while Hull-Daisetta is second.
“It is not meeting my expectations,” he said. “I expect us to be a lot better physically. Mentally, we don't play to our capability. We still play scared sometimes. You've got to play aggressive and be under control.”
The Hornets are still searching for their first victory.
“We don't hustle enough and we don't want to play hard. I need about 11 boys where we can go after each other in practice and knock each other around and be able to play,” Goodrich coach Lester King said. “When you don't have but five or six, and don't want to come to practice, it is tough. How are you going to jack up a shot and walk back down the floor? There is no pride, and I am not ashamed to say it. They just have to find their heart. The standing around – I can't live with it. I haven't ever had a team do that.”
On Tuesday, Goodrich has district leader Brookeland, and Leggett will next host Burkeville.