Michael Henderson (No. 10) of Isabella turns the corner with help from a screen by Cornelius Stacy (No. 2). (Photos by Anthony Richards)

The Isabella boys basketball team had one of its best chances to grab a win on the season, but could not make the necessary shots down the stretch and lost 27-19 to Indian Springs on Friday.

The Mustangs (0-9) were the aggressors early on offensively, as drives by Jaqarise Stacy and Cornelius Stacy put Isabella on top 5-0.

However, Indian Springs ended the first quarter with a 9-2 scoring run and both teams spent time in front before Isabella grabbed a 12-11 lead heading into halftime.

After trailing by four points entering the fourth quarter, Cornelius Stacy drained a clutch 3-pointer from the right wing to cut the deficit to one with five minutes left to play.

That was the closest the Mustangs got to victory and proved to be the final points that Isabella scored in the contest.

“Our defensive effort was very good and we executed parts of the offense,” Graham said. “We just couldn’t put the ball in the hole.”

There were several opportunities to make a run in the final minutes, as multiple 3-point attempts and good looks at the basket rimmed out.

Jaqarise Stacy (No. 1) attempts to finish a baseline drive.

“We’ve got to find a way to score the basketball,” Graham said. “That’s the bottom line.”

According to Graham, the great thing about sports is the life lessons that can be learned and reapplied down the road.

“It’s hard when you’re not winning to keep playing hard, but our kids have done that,” Graham said. “Everybody’s hustling and if these guys will just hang with it, we’re going to get a win somewhere.”

Cornelius Stacy led the team with seven points, 10 rebounds and three steals.

The Isabella girls improved to a record of 10-2 with a 59-30 victory over Indian Springs in the early game.

Synia Chattman exploded for 32 points, while Sophie Underwood was active on the defensive end with a game-high 10 steals.

It was the sixth win in a row for the Mustangs.

Next up for both the boys and girls teams is the Chilton County Tournament in January.