By Neal Embry/For the Reporter

CALERA – The Helena Huskies were able to outmuscle and outrebound the Calera Eagles in a 66-45 road win at Calera High School Friday night.

Helena jumped out to an early 13-5 lead, but the Eagles were able to cut the lead to two with an 8-0 run to end the first quarter. The Huskies answered with a run of their own, led by freshman Justin Stuckey, who began the second quarter with five quick points to help the Huskies get the lead back up to 10.

Sophomore Jon Brown had a big night for Helena, scoring 20 points, leading all players.

Zack Goodwin, the Eagles’ top scorer in the first half, was injured early in the second half and did not return.

Despite a better performance on the boards and on defense in the second half, the Eagles couldn’t find the firepower to counter on offense, and with the Huskies’ lead growing, Calera was forced to attempt three-pointers late in the game, not finding any luck from long range.  The Huskies finished the game on a 13-3 run.

The Eagles were led in scoring by Keddrick Thomas, who finished with 12 points.

“I was real proud of them coming in here and getting a win on the road,” Helena coach Chris Laatsch said.

Laatsch added how important it was for his team to win the battle on the boards.

“For us to get where we need to get, we know we need to rebound. Our kids are committed to it, and they’re starting to buy in to it and execute,” he said.

Helena will travel to McAdory Dec. 8, while Calera will travel to Central High School Dec. 11.