Improved Lady Raiders lose again to Pine Forest

The quicker Eagles’ pesky defense and balanced attack led Pine Forest to a 52-27 district win against the host Navarre Raiders on Thursday, Jan. 3. Despite the lopsided loss, Raiders’ coach Greg Boozer said his team had improved since a 68-17 loss to the Eagles in Pine Forest.

“We’re getting better,” he said after the game. “(The players) recognized some things we talked about and were able to beat the press. I think it’s coming together.”

Navarre (3-9 overall, 3-6 in District 1-6A) had won three of its previous four games after an 0-7 start but hadn’t played in more than two weeks.

Freshman Nadia Fingall led the Raiders with 14 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Senior point guard Jessica Reyes added six points and Hannah Worden hit a late three-pointer to lead Navarre’s scoring.

Jymetrea Jones scored 11 points, Jasmine McCants and Tia Sanders scored nine each, Ty Purifoy added eight points and Njeri Nelms contributed seven for the Eagles (12-2).