The Lejeune Devil Pups's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Tuesday after their eighth straight loss. They were beaten by East Carteret 65-31. While losing is never fun, Lejeune can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 548th, while the Mariners are ranked 105th).
Lejeune's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Abigail Gonzales, who scored 11 points along with five blocks. It was the first time this season that Gonzales posted two or more blocks. Scarlett McLean was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with seven steals.
East Carteret was led to victory by Estella Lewis and Teiona Frazier. Lewis scored 12 points, while Frazier scored 18 points. Another player making a difference was Kenliana Dixon, who scored seven points.
Lejeune dropped their record down to 1-10 with that defeat, which was their fifth straight on the road. As for East Carteret, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 16-2.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Lejeune will take on the Seahawks at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Southside's defense has only allowed 27.6 points per game this season, so the Devil Pups' offense will have their work cut out for them. As for East Carteret, they will be playing in front of their home fans against the Panthers at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Northside - Pinetown is also coming in off of a big victory, so somebody is in for a big reversal of fortune.
