Hayden Bell jumps to shoot the ball during the Bobcats’ win against Shoals Christian. Photo by Bart Moss.

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

After three seasons of playing their home basketball games at Northwest-Shoals Community College, the Phil Campbell Bobcats finally got to tip off their 2014-15 season in their new gymnasium.

Both varsity teams relished the moment and garnered convincing wins over the Shoals Christian Flame. The varsity girls won 60-10. The varsity boys won 62-32.

Varsity Girls, 60 – Shoals Christian, 10

The Phil Campbell Lady Bobcats jumped out to a quick 21-0 first quarter lead against the overmatched Shoals Christian Flame. The Bobcats coasted to an easy victory leading 31-6 at halftime. The Bobcats extended their lead to 48-8 at the end of the third quarter.

Taylor Pace led the way for the Bobcats scoring 19 points. Other Bobcats scoring were Vickie McAlister (8), Leah Gunderman (7), Harley Voyles (7), Kaylee Ayers (5), Reagan Roberts (5), Elizabeth Benford (3), Bethany Harris (2) and Kelsey Bullock (2).

“I was real proud of the way the girls came out of the locker room focused and ready to win,” first year head coach Craig Thomas said.

“They gave a great effort. They were excited about getting their first win in the new gym.”

Varsity Boys, 62 – Shoals Christian, 32

The Phil Campbell Bobcats used a dominant inside game to loosen up the Shoals Christian Flame Friday night to get the easy season-opening victory.

The Bobcats led the Flame by only a point at the end of the first quarter, 9-8. But Phil Campbell exploded with points in the second and third quarters to put the game away. The Bobcats outscored the Flame 29-4 in the second quarter to take a 38-12 lead into the locker room. Phil Campbell didn’t let up in the third quarter, extending their lead to 56-21 and coasting to the 62-32 win.

Hayden Bell was the Bobcats’ force in the paint scoring 25 points. Hayden Copeland added 11 points and Peyton Thomas added ten points.

Others scoring for the Bobcats were Noah Williams (5), Jacob Anthony (4), Gage Roberson (4) and Ryan Saint (1).

“I’ll have to admit, I was a little nervous before the game and so were the players,” first year head coach Brett Thomas said.

“It showed in the first quarter, but we got settled into the game and were able to get the ball in the paint and score. It was a great win and I’m proud of the way we competed.”