COSBY-With a tough week of non-district games already on the slate before a rescheduled game landed on Monday, the goal was simple for Lady Eagles coach Richard Coggins: Get the starters out early.

That mission was accomplished early.

Cosby, the state's second-ranked team in Class A ran out to a 28-2 first quarter advantage as they cruised to a 61-34 District 2-A win over Washburn High School. The victory was the Lady Eagles' 14th straight, a streak that dates back to a November 24 loss to North Greene.

"Our goal was to jump on them early and get our starters out," Coggins said. "We've got a tough week with Gatlinburg-Pittman and Pigeon Forge.

"We felt like we could have our way with (Washburn) and we did," Coggins said. "I was concerned we might be a little rusty, but we just came out and jumped on them with the press."

Cosby (17-2, 5-0) wasted no time in making quick work of the Lady Pirates (7-10, 1-2) as they led 9-0 just over 90 seconds into the game. The advantage only continued to grow as a number of steals, a product of the dangerous Lady Eagles' full court pressure defense, resulted in numerous easy looks at the offensive basket.

For the full story, see the January 22 edition of the Newport Plain Talk.