Ranger Basketball Team Wins Third Game of Young Season with Victory Over Ashford

CAMP HILL, AL --- Lyman Ward's varsity basketball team picked up its defensive intensity in the fourth quarter and sealed a 67 - 63 victory over the Ashford Academy Falcons before a raucous home crowd on Friday night, Dec. 5.

The Rangers go to 3 - 0 on the young season, while Ashford falls to 3 - 4.  The victory avenged the Rangers' loss to Ashford in its Homecoming football game.

"This was a big win for our young basketball team," said Head Coach Jeff Damron.  "This was the first time we have been tested under pressure.  We really picked it up defensively in the fourth quarter and played smart when we had to do so.  We're still making some mistakes in trying to rush things, but we're learning that you have to be quick, but not be in a hurry."

LWMA outscored the visiting Falcons 21 - 15 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

The Fighting Rangers were led in scoring by senior wing Justin Minor, who scored a game-high 23 points after missing a week of practice to play in the AISA All-Star Football Game in Prattville, AL.  Senior post/wing Kyle Johnson added 16 points and seven rebounds before fouling out, while junior post Jarrett Kupec came in off the bench to record a game-high 10 rebounds (seven offensive) and eight points.

Freshman guard Amory Thompson, playing at point guard in place of a suspended player, recorded four assists, four steals, and eight points.

The Rangers return to action at home on Tuesday, Dec. 9, versus rival Chambers Academy.  The junior varsity game tips off at 5:00 p.m. CST, with the varsity game following immediately after, at approximately 6:00 p.m. CST.  Admission to all home games is $5.