By By Rocky Higginbotham/The Meridian Star
Feb. 25, 2001
BROOKHAVEN Even with a lead as big as 24 points in the third quarter, Lake coach Bill Ingersoll never felt really comfortable with his Lady Hornets going up against tradition-rich Bogue Chitto.
And for good reason.
Despite a wild finish that included a 16-2 run by the Lady Bobcats, Lake was too strong too often and held on for a 59-52 win over Bogue Chitto to capture the Class 1A South State Girls Tournament.
The Lady Hornets, who are now 32-3, were up by 24 points in the third quarter and led by 21 heading into the final eight minutes before Bogue Chitto stormed back.
The contest was played at Enterprise-Lincoln High School after the Saturday slate of games in the South State event was moved from Bogue Chitto because of an unplayable surface. Apparently, the humidity in the gym was causing Bogue Chitto's parquet floor to "sweat" and several players slipped during the first game which saw Durant finish off McAdams 61-47 at Enterprise.
Lake and Bogue Chitto then took the court, and both teams appeared sluggish initially. But Kim Cox nailed back-to-back 3-pointers from the corner to help the Lady Hornets to a 14-7 lead after one and a 28-17 advantage at halftime.
Lake ran in the second half, as well, using its transition game and the dominance inside of junior Kimyatta Viverette during a 13-0 run that started the third quarter and put the Lady Hornets ahead 41-17.
Ingersoll called a pair of timeouts during the crazed run by Bogue Chitto in the final period, when the Lady Bobcats' pressure netted nine Lake turnovers. Still, the closest Bogue Chitto came was the final margin.
Jessica Melton led the Lady Bobcats with 16 points and five steals, while Randi Moak, had 12 points and four steals.
Lake got 23 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals from Kim Cox and 18 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks from Kimyatta Viverette. Roxana Rogers scored eight points and had three steals, Odena Cox had six points and four steals and April Viverette had eight boards.
The Lady Hornets, who are now 32-3, get a bye and won't play in the state tournament until the semifinal round on Mar. 7.
Rocky Higginbotham is the sports editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at rhigginbotham@themeridianstar.com.