CALERA - The home opener for Calera's 2005-06 season ended in a split with Stuart following two defensive battles Friday night. The Lady Bulldogs fell 46-28, after trailing just 20-14 in the first half. The Bulldogs pulled away in the fourth quarter to prevail 55-39.

According to Calera coach Cyndi Houser, the young ladies had their shots, but wouldn't take them.

“We didn't have any body that would take outside shots,” said Houser. “We had plenty of looks but nobody would take a shot.”

CJ Thurber led the Lady Bulldogs with seven points. Stormi Lamar had six along with Mindy Diamond, and Emily Valles chipped in two.

Calera was 50 percent (6-12) at the foul line, an improvement over a 7-19 performance earlier in the week.

Stuart didn't have any one player dominate the contest. Mica Patterson had nine and Rachel Knoll added eight.

“They were pretty well spread out, went on a couple fast breaks to break away,” said Houser. “We'd get down and foul.

“I don't know if it was nerves being in front of the home crowd. They were pretty strong in the post.”

Boys

The tug-of-war went was three quarters long. Stuart led after the half by two points, and Calera headed into the third with a two-point lead.

“We got to where we were able to beat their press and that gave us an edge,” said Calera coach Lee Umsted. “We also managed to hit our free throws. After they got down they continued to press, and we got several quick baskets out of that.”

The Bulldogs were 8-8 on the line in the fourth quarter, and also got a boost from the defense by forcing four five-second violations.

Dustin Ishcomer led the Bulldogs with 14 points, including going 2-2 at the line. Preston Rambo and Kris Mize each had 13 while going 2-2 at the line.

Adam Glover hit double figures with 10 points - all in the second half.

“That was really big for us,” said Umsted. “Adam really stepped up.”

Kayle Ward added three, and Jake Bell chipped in two points.

Calera will host Boswell, opening conference play Tuesday.