BOYS BASKETBALL: Joppa knocks off Falcons, 67-56

Elverado couldn't get shots to fall in the opening quarter at Joppa on Friday night, and the Falcons fell behind early and never caught back up while the Rangers held on for a 67-56 South Egyptian Conference victory.

Joppa led 17-8 after the first quarter during which the Falcons could put in only two field goals.

After trailing 31-19 at the break, Elverado closed the gap a bit with a 22-point third quarter and trailed by just seven with eight minutes to play, but the Rangers made 11-of-15 free throws in the final period to stay out in front.

Alec Valerius hit five three-pointers in the game to lead the Falcons with 15 points. Tyler Funk added twelve points, Luke Jones ten, Justin Sarensen eight, Sage Sarensen, Clayton Funk and Noah Waller three apiece, and Chase Cross two.

Elverado (8-13, 1-6) hosts Dongola on Tuesday night and Agape Christian on Friday night. The Falcons will close out their regular season next week against Goreville (February 17) and Trico (February 20).