Above, senior post MarquezFranklin goes up strong with an Eagle on his back in the physically-played area round loss to Fairfield in Rusk last Friday night. (Coutesy Photo) RUSK- The Bullard Panthers season ended a little earlier than most expected, as a rebound by Fairfield’s LaDarius Brackens and two earlier free throws were the final nails in the coffin for the Panthers season, with a 45- 41 loss to Fairfield at Rusk High School this past Friday night.

The Panthers trailed Fairfield by three points with 12 seconds, with Daniel Howard at the line, and made the first free throw attempt. Howard intentionally missed the second shot and was able to get hold of the rebound.

Howard kicked a pass to the corner and a last second effort from the left corner hit off the iron, and the Panthers left short on the board.

Anding’s year ended with the score tied at 14-14, with 5:35 to play in the second period..

The Panthers had a tough go from the field, hitting only 15-of-41 from the floor, and very unlike Bullard, 9-of-12 from the charity stripe.

Bullard (25-11) was led in the loss by 15 points from Howard, and 10 apiece by Josiah Rosebury and Brandon Beavers.

After Anding’s injury, Howard hit back-to-back jumpers as the Panthers finished the second half on an 8-1 run, to lead 24-17 at the break.

Fairfield responded with a 15-2 run in the third period, that proved to be the difference maker.

Howard popped a 3-pointer to end the Eagles surge, and added on another trey, to shave the lead to 34-32 entering the fourth.

The Panthers, however, never got any closer as they shot only 21 percent in the final half of play.

The Eagle’s got a huge game from Brackens with 15 points and six rebounds, while Tevin Greene provided a double-double performance of 11 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Another Eagle narrowly missed a double-double, as junior post, Dominique, finished with a game-high 14 rebounds and nine points.

Ten seniors laced it up for the final time, as graduation will take its toll. An undefeated district season by the JV, and two tournament titles, leaves the cupboard far from empty.

Congratulations to first year head coach, Robert Sampson and the team on a great season.

Class 3A Area Playoff

At Eagle Coliseum

Fairfield 45, Bullard 41

Fairfield 8 9 17 11 - 45

Bullard 10 14 8 9 - 41 FAIRFIELD - Anthony Price, 1; Tevin Greene, 11; Willie Tatum, 6; Evan Simpson, 2; LaDarius Brackens, 16; Dominique Owens, 9.

BULLARD - Daniel Howard, 15; Josiah Rosebury, 10; Brandon Beavers, 10; Marquez Franklin, 4; Scott Starwalt, 2.

THREE-POINT GOALS-- F: Brackens. B: Howard (2). RECORDS - Fairfield 23-7; Bullard 25-11. NEXT UP - Fairfield advances to regional quarterfinals vs. Center winner, TBD.