Special to the MESSENGER

When the Goshen Eagles hit the courts Friday in Highland Home, it was a give and take battle, but they came out on top over the Flying Squadron, 67-61.

In the first eight minutes of play, Goshen held the lead for most of the period, but a pair of three-pointers by Highland’s D.J. Chambers with 1:50 left in the first tied and broke into a lead for the first time for the Squadron. At the sound of the horn, however it was the Eagles on top, 20-19.

In the second period, Goshen again outscored Highland Home with a score of 21-15, making the score at the half Goshen 41, Highland Home 34.

Leading scorers for Goshen were Kendaris Pelton with a whopping 24 points, including four for six on free throws.

Next it was Wesley Wright with an equally impressive 18 points, including five three-pointers. Damien Pelton added 10 points also.

Ge-Vonne Cooper had nine points, going four-for-five at the foul line and dropping one three point bucket.

For the Flying Squadron, Steve Pruitt led the aviators with 21 points, and a trio of three-pointers. Marcus Toles came in next with 11 points, and an equal trio of treys.

Next it was Shaun May with 10 points, including two field goal threes, and next it was D.J. Chambers with 10 points as well with two three-pointers.

In girls action, the Lady Eagles fought a tough battle, but the mostly-upperclassmen Lady Flying Squadron outscored the young Goshen girls, 60-49.

Lady Eagles Head Coach James Pair said his team has steadily improved.

"Our girls are a mostly underclass team with a lot of growing to do. But they have been getting better with each game they have played," he said.

Pair said the girls entered to game with a 1-7 record, the loan win coming from their season opener against Luverne.

The Lady Squadron have now improved their record to 11-4 overall, including tournament play.

The game was all Lady Squadron in the first period. Highland outscored Goshen by more than three to one, at 17-5.

In the second period, Goshen made a stronger fight for the scoreboard, but The Lady Squadron held its edge, putting 14 points up to Goshen’s nine. The score at halftime was Highland Home 31, Goshen 14.

Coming back from the half, Goshen gathered their second wind, putting up 13 points to the 15 of Highland. The deficit still remained, however, with the Flying Squadron holding a 46-27 lead.

But Goshen added 22 points in the final period to make the score respectable.

Leading the score for Goshen was Lakesha Cope, with 14 points to her tally, including four of 10 on free throw attempts.

Next it was Tyeka Jackson with 11 points, which included two three pointers. Ashley Miniard also scored 11 points, and then it was Hope Wheeler with 10 points, going four-for-seven on free throws.

Goshen returns to action tonight at Red Level on Thursday night.