Led by 16 points by Adam Justice and 14 points by Robbie Bell, the Russell County Lakers moved to 6-0 on the season after defeating a tough Monroe County team, 59-50.

“It was a really physical game and the good thing is we knocked down some shots their in the last three or four minutes,” said Laker head coach Willie Feldhaus.

“That gave us some cushion.”

The Falcons were led in scoring by junior Chip Anderson with 19 points. Monroe County shot 42 percent from the field in the game.

“”We’ve got to be a lot better defensively,” he said. “We’re getting beat off the dribble a lot and we’re not very good at helping our teammates right now.”

Feldhaus said his team gave up too many easy shots and rebounds to Monroe.

“If we do that Thursday night (at Clinton) I think the Lakers are probably going to come up on the losing end.”

Rounding out the Lakers’ scoring was nine points and seven boards for Zach Carney, seven points apiece for Lucas Justice and Tyler Robertson, four for Bryson McFall and two for Kyle Burchett. Lucas Justice also grabbed seven rebounds.

“Monroe County was very physical,” he said. “They have a lot of football players that makes it to the semi-finals of the state and will definitely win some games this year.

Russell County opens up district play Thursday at Clinton County in the second game of a boy-girl doubleheader.