The Abilene Cowboys had their best season in 25 years last season as they finished 3rd in the state in 4A Division I.  Abilene brought back only one starter from that team in 6’4” Senior Tucker Robinson. The Cowboy’s schedule has been challenging while trying to break in four new starters as they have faced three ranked opponents to start the season Smoky Valley, Rock Creek and tonight Augusta.

Augusta entered the game 1-0 and ranked #9 in 4A Division I.  A big reason why they are ranked is that they welcomed back 4 starters from last year’s 13-8 team.   One of the Orioles losses came at home to Abilene on a last second shot.  The Cowboys entered the game on a three game winning streak against Augusta but those three wins were only by a combined 4 points.  Late in the third quarter it looked like we were in store for another close game but Augusta pulled away in the fourth quarter for the 48-39 victory.  The game was tied at 23 with 2:36 to play in the third quarter and the Orioles would then go on a 12-2 run to take control of the game at 35-25 with 5:57 to play on a pair of Chance Whitehead free throws.  Whitehead took over for Augusta in the fourth quarter when he scored 8 straight points.  He finished with a team high 13 points for the Orioles.  Abilene was led in scoring by Sophomore Travis Beetch who finished with a career and game high 15 points.

In game one the Abilene Cowgirls moved to 3-0 on the season with a 48-43 victory over Augusta, who is now 1-1 on the season. It was the 8th straight victory over the Lady Orioles for the Cowgirls.  Abilene was led in scoring by Junior Sydney Burton who finished with 15 points, and Junior Hannah Willey was also in double figures with 12.

The schedule won’t get any easier for Abilene as McPherson comes to town next Tuesday.