By Eric Lusk
Sports Editor
elusk@elkintribune.com

EAST BEND -- Forbush boys basketball coach Jon Huggins didn't catch the cheer the Falcons' student section sent his way late in the fourth quarter of Monday's 59-39 win against Elkin.

"We love Huggins! (clap clap, clap clap clap) ... We love Huggins!"

The coach certainly appreciated the sentiment, though, when he learned about the impromptu chant after the game. Huggins needed a lift coming out of last Thursday's 21-point loss to Starmount at home. Monday's runaway victory provided it in spades.

"Now I can sleep at night a little bit better," Huggins quipped. "It was an excellent game, wonderful."

Forbush exploded coming out of the halftime break, quickly turning a 22-17 lead into a 36-17 advantage. Players attacked the basket with fervor and broke down Elkin's offense with sticky defense and aggressive rebounding. Twelve of the Falcons' 14 points during this stretch came from layups or putbacks, including a nifty reverse by Matthew Cain. The other two points were courtesy of a pair of Cody Eller free throws, earned with a strong move around the basket that drew a foul.

In all Forbush outscored Elkin 26-8 in the third period, creating enough of a cushion to coast home to its ninth conference victory in the fourth quarter.

"That's what we want to do -- to get there, get the fouls -- instead of just lobbing up threes," Huggins said of the inspired third quarter. "I wish we would have done that last Thursday but that was much better."

Cody Eller's 15 points led the Falcons offensively. Avery Ravit added 14 points, with Michael Scott chipping in 12. Scott also nabbed 17 rebounds, made five steals and had two blocks. Ravit and Matthew Cain each grabbed six rebounds.

Elkin, which played well early in building a 9-4 lead, was led in scoring by Sam Lane (9 points), Tre Hayes (8) and Damon Smith (6). The Elks held a 16-14 edge midway through the second period. The Falcons reeled off six points in a row from that point and never trailed again.


NORTH WILKES 62, STARMOUNT 49: The Vikings started well and closed on a strong note to win this pivotal Mountain Valley 1A/2A clash.

A 12-4 run to start the game and a 23-15 surge over the final eight minutes proved key for North.

Ty Johnson (19 points), Timmy Johnson (15 points) and Storm Clonch (12 points) all reached double figures for the Vikes. Ramon Andino, who recently returned to the Vikings' lineup, added eight more points.

Fondae McDaniel led Starmount with nine points. Garrett Johnson added eight points.


Girls Basketball FORBUSH 62, ELKIN 48: Lindsey Williams erupted for a season high 27 points in the Falcons' victory. She hit four shots in the fourth quarter and made all four of her free throw attempts.

In the first half, Williams swished a pair of three-pointers and had 10 points in all.

"She just came out on fire," coach Annette Dudley said.

The Falcons made 12 of 14 free throws as a team. Elkin was 11 of 21.

Leslie Long chipped in 14 points for the Falcons. She also swished a pair of three-pointers. Jensen Pendry scored eight points.

Despite constant pressure, Jordan Eldridge netted 19 points for Elkin, including nine in the fourth quarter. Forbush led 29-19 at the half.


STARMOUNT 62, NORTH WILKES 41: The Rams pulled away after halftime to secure an important conference victory. The win kept Starmount two games in front of Forbush in the MVAC standings heading into Tuesday's action. The Rams and Falcons are battling for the third and final 2A playoff spot afforded to the league.

Kelli Bonner made 7 of 10 free throws and finished with 16 points to lead the Rams. Heaven Walters added 13 points, while Maygan Baldwin scored 10.

Carly Noble scored more than half of North Wilkes' points, finishing with 22. She hit 12 of 13 foul shots. Ashley Wyatt added 10 points for the Vikes.

North Wilkes kept things close for a half, trailing 27-22 at the break. The Rams surged with a 17-5 run in the third quarter.


EAST WILKES 53, WEST WILKES 52: Though the Blackhawks have struggled this season (2-12 in the conference), they've managed to take East Wilkes to the wire twice. East won the first meeting 36-34 back in December.

Samantha Adams earned a double-double to help the Cardinals the escape with victory in the most recent meeting, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Adams also swiped four steals and had an assist. Lauren Royal led East with 17 points. She had eight steals and six rebounds.

Other scorers for the Cards included Kendra Green 7, Jaclyn Grit 5, Brittany Diorio 4, Erin Royal 2 and Meredith Nance 2.


JV Boys Basketball STARMOUNT 44, NORTH WILKES 20: The Rams outscored the Vikes 25-5 in the second half to pull away. Starmount's lead was just 19-15 at halftime.

Charlie Wagoner's 14 points led Starmount. Dillon Bray scored eight points.


JV Girls Basketball STARMOUNT 37, NORTH WILKES 12: Asia Martin scored 11 points and Ashley Osborne added 10 for the victorious Rams. Starmount held North without a point in the third period and outscored the Vikings 20-4 after halftime.


FORBUSH 47, ELKIN 25: The Falcons completed a season sweep of the Elks with Monday's win. Lindsey York (12 points) and Madison Gentry (10) were Forbush's top scorers. Madison Durham (10 points) reached double figures for the Elks.