In Dec. 18 Issue
By Derek Aaron
Times Journal Sports Editor

The Russell County Lakers traveled to Warren East Friday night and came away with a victory, 70-66, to move to 4-0 on the season.

The Lakers handled their first big road test by putting four players, Bryon Ellis, Bryson McFall, Robbie Bell and Zach Carney, in double digits.

“That type of balance is crucial to our success,” said Coach Willie Feldhaus.

Feldhaus said to pass the season’s first big road test was a positive for his team.

“We executed well by hitting our free throws at the end,” he said. “But, we didn’t handle the close game well on the defensive end, but we made up for that.”

Russell County also shot better than 51 percent from the field in the victory.

Coach Willie Feldhaus’ team had to hold off the pesky Raiders in the game’s final seconds. Raider Mark Biggs hit a 3-point shot with 13 seconds remaining to put Warren East down two, 66-64.

Feldhaus complimented Biggs’ play with him being an underclassman.

“He’s athletic and has some good moves around the basket,” he said. “He’s a terrific young player.”

The Lakers managed to hit one free throw on the next possession. Warren East’s Louisville football commit Shenard Holton put in a layup with six seconds left to put the Raiders one down. McFall hit another free throw to put the game out of reach for the Lakers who held on for the four-point victory.

Russell County was down 39-36 at halftime, but the Lakers came out firing in the third quarter, going on a 10-2 run.

Bell had 14 points for the Lakers while Lucas Justice had nine points. McFall scored 13 while Ellis poured in 16. Carney continued his impressive play with 11 points while Adam Justice scored five points. Senior Bryce Bailey added a bucket in the game as well for two points.

Both Carney and Ellis had five rebounds apiece while Bell grabbed six boards. Both Bell and McFall had three assists each to lead the Lakers. Junior Kyle Burchett also saw court time for Russell County but didn’t score.