The Nashville Scrappers led for much of the game before falling to Bauxite 48-47 Friday night at Scrapper Gym.

Nashville led 30-20 at halftime in what Coach Mike Ritchie described as “the best we’ve played all year. We played pretty good in the third quarter too.”

Bauxite began chipping away at the Scrappers’ lead late in the third quarter and went ahead in the closing moments of the game.

“We didn’t finish the game. You can’t miss free throws and you can’t miss break-away layups. It’s more mental than physical. You’re tired, but you have to be ready to handle it.”

Despite the loss, “We gave a great effort,” Ritchie said. “I’m proud of the kids.”

Cameron Alexander turned in a season-high 23 points against the Miners. Brandon Shamrock added 10.

“Our kids played hard. Other things will take care of themselves as the season goes on. I’m proud of the kids who have stuck with it,” Ritchie said Monday afternoon. “We had a good practice today.”

The Scrappers were scheduled to play Pulaski Robinson Tuesday night in Little Rock. They will host Central Arkansas Christian Friday night.

Nashville will visit Arkadelphia Jan. 29 and Ashdown Feb. 1.

The Scrappers will be at home against Arkansas Baptist Saturday, Feb. 2, in a game that was postponed from Jan. 15 because of inclement weather.

The final home game of the season will be played Feb. 5 against Malvern.

Nashville will wrap up the regular season Feb. 8 at Arkansas Baptist.

The District 7-4A tournament will be played Feb. 11-16 at Bauxite.

The Class 4A South regional tournament will be Feb. 20-23 at Ouachita Baptist University.

State will be Feb. 26-March 2 at Cave City.