Paxton sweeps boys, girls games with rival Laurel Hill

LAUREL HILL – Paxton almost made things look easy Friday night in sweeping rival Laurel Hill in a District 1-A basketball girls-boys doubleheader.

Led by Alyssa Dupree’s 24 points the Lady Bobcats took an 81-47 win.

The Paxton boys completed the sweep by beating the Hoboes 63-43.

Paxton coach Jeff Bradley said beating the Hoboes was always big, but Friday’s win was even bigger as the Bobcats were coming of a 36-point loss to Malone.

“The response we got from our kids with all the energy is probably as good as we have ever had after we took it on the chin from Malone the other night,” he said. “To come to Laurel Hill after that loss at our place, I’m just as proud as I can be of them.”

Chad Zessin and Marcus Bradley proved to be a deadly combination for the Bobcats as they teamed up for 37 of Paxton’s points.

Bradley led the charge with 22 points using a variety of quick drives and deadly long-range shooting. In the mean time, the 6-foot-7 Zessin did most his work in the paint.

Bradley wasted no time in getting started, scoring six points in the first quarter as Paxton led 15-7 after the first quarter. Paxton’s lead was 35-24 at the half, but the Hoboes were hurt by the fact that three starters: Travon Calloway, Tyler Zessin and Lane Strickland all had three fouls.

Paxton (15-5, 6-2) continued to pour it on the second half gradually building the lead.

But each time it looked as if the Bobcats would blow the top off the gym the Hoboes tried to come back and get things with striking distance, but they didn’t have enough.

Tyler Simmons led the Hobo (7-8, 3-6)attack with 11 points, but no other player had more than six.

There was never a doubt in the girls’ game as Alyssa Dupree put the Bobcats on her shoulders and led a trio of players in double figures with 24 points.

Meagan Newborn added 17 and Emily Murray had 10.

Paxton (15-5, 7-1) jumped in front 21-9 after the first quarter and led 40-18 at the half as the Bobcats coasted to the win.

“I think they shared the ball so well,” Paxton coach Steve Williams said. “We had three girls in double figures.

“Alyssa Dupree gets us started and just played so hard. She distributed the ball, she scored and she rebounded. She played a complete game and I think Meagan Newborn played one of her best games offensively and defensively.”

LaQuetta Williams led Laurel Hill (8-11, 3-5) with 17 points. Maeson Piper scored 11.