The Arlington boys basketball team won the season's first matchup against Syracuse by 18 points, but lost the second Friday night.
The Rockets improved to 4-14 with a 51-40 home victory, finishing off the Eagles' 1-2 week. AHS lost Feb. 1 to Fort Calhoun, beat Conestoga on Thursday and dropped to 8-11 overall at Syracuse.
Coach Tyler Spitser's squad led the Rockets 12-10 after one period, but managed just one bucket — an Isaac Foust 2-pointer — during the 16-2 second. The Eagles trailed by 12 at halftime and 11 after third quarters as the home team maintained its advantage on the scoreboard.
Colby Grefe led Arlington with nine points in defeat, while Syracuse's Cooper Carlson led all scorers with 16.
Eagles beat Cougars
Arlington and Conestoga entered last Thursday's game with identical 7-10 season records, but the Eagles proved themselves to be superior. They won the Nebraska Capitol Conference road game by 16, 42-26.
AHS trailed 15-14 at halftime, but locked down the Cougars defensively during a 28-11 second half. Coach Spitser's team was especially dominant during the fourth period, outscoring Conestoga 18-4 over the final 8 minutes.
“We put a big emphasis on close outs and help-side defense,” he said. “They have multiple players that are above average shooters, but are also athletic enough to beat you on drive. We did a nice job of contesting shots and protecting the paint.”
Dustin Kirk led the Eagles offensively with 13 points, while Logan Kaup scored 12 and Grefe notched 11.
Jack Welch led Conestoga with 10 points in defeat.
