Published: January 07, 2009 12:20 pm      

Empire knocks off Healdton

Marlow girls fall in overtime at Washington

The roller coaster ride that is Empire boys’ basketball was a fun ride for the home fans Tuesday night as the Bulldogs knocked off Healdton 90-85.

Empire gave away a 56-33 halftime lead with a poor third quarter but made the plays down the stretch to hold off Healdton and pick up the win.

“It was one of the most exciting games anyone has seen,” Empire head coach Vaughn Blankenship said.

Empire (4-4) took a 21-18 lead into the second quarter following a half-court shot by Chance Bridges and took its game to another level, scoring 35 points. Empire was 7-of-8 from beyond the arc in the quarter.

Prosperity was not an ally of Empire in the third quarter, as it allowed Healdton to battle back and pull within 71-66 going into the final quarter. Empire dusted itself off and held on, surviving for the win as a Healdton player missed three consecutive free throws down the stretch.

Bridges scored 29 points to lead Empire. Jared Smith tacked on 18 and Kris Sears had 16.



Washington girls 48, Marlow 47

The Marlow Lady Outlaws dropped their second game of the season in disappointing fashion, falling to Washington 48-47 on the road in overtime. Taylor Leippe tied the game at 47 with 10 seconds remaining in the contest, only to see Washington go to the free-throw line with less than a second remaining after a foul to clinch the win.

“We had our chances to win,” Marlow head coach Kirk Harris said. “They got some breaks and that happens in road games. Washington was probably the best team we have played overall. It was good for us.”

Leippe led Marlow (5-2) with 16 points and Skyler Newberry scored 14. Haylee Davis finished with nine for MHS, who will face Dickson in the Marietta Tournament at 4 p.m. Thursday.