By By Jared Florreich/staff writer
June 28, 2003
The Lady Knights of West Lauderdale, down much of the first half, took their first lead 14-12 with 2:00 remaining, and took a 15-12 halftime lead on the way to a 32-26 win over Northeast Lauderdale in the State Games of Mississippi on Friday.
With the win, West Lauderdale, last year's MHSAA Class 3A runner-up, remained undefeated in pool play. The Lady Knights will take on Noxubee County at 10:10 a.m. and Warren Central at 2:50 at MCC
The Lady Knights extended their lead to seven on two occasions in the second half. Northeast got within one late in the game, but the Knights pulled out a 32-26 victory.
Shannon Lloyd led the Knights with 10 points.
NE Jones Girls 55
SE Lauderdale 48
The first game of the day at Meridian Community College's Ivy Sports Center saw Northeast Jones take a seven-point win over Southeast Lauderdale. Taphne Jackson had 13 points, Kim Lewis 12, and Jessica McKensie contributed 10 as the Tigers of Northeast Jones defeated Southeast 55-48.
Meridian 65
Warren Central 44
The Wildcats jumped out to an early first half lead, leading by as many as nine. Warren Central got within three with 5:15 remaining in the first half, but the Wildcats bumped their lead back to nine, leading 34-25 at halftime.
The second half saw Meridian stretch their lead to double digits, and intensifying their defensive pressure on their way to a 65-44 victory.
MHS head basketball coach Ernie Watson said defense has been the emphasized during summer play.
E.J. Hampton led the Wildcats with 12 points. Chris Harris contributed 11 in the Wildcat victory.
Warren Central will face Neshoba Central at 12:30 at MCC and North Forrest at 6:20 at Northwest Junior High. Meridian will take on Wayne Academy at 1:40 and Neshoba Central at 7:30 at Northwest Junior High.
Warren Central 67
Wayne Academy 46
Warren Central opened the game with a 15-0 run and
seemingly had the game in control. Wayne Academy, down 19 Thursday night to Neshoba Central, cut the Warren Central all the way down to two, and found themselves down 35-25 at halftime.
Warren Central dominated the second half, and handily defeated Wayne Academy 67-46.
Warren Central head coach Jesse Johnson found out Saturday that the interim title had been removed, and he was officially named head Warren Central head basketball coach.
Warren Central's Seddrick Williams had 12 points to lead the Vikings. Wayne Academy's Garrett James nailed five three point baskets on his way to a game high 19 points.
Neshoba Central 60
North Forrest 42
Neshoba Central played their way to a 19-point first half lead, but a 12-0 run by North Forrest cut their lead to seven. Neshoba Central stretched their lead back to nine, leading at halftime 31-22.
Neshoba Central opened the second half on a 18-0 run, and won easily 60-42.
Neshoba Central head basketball coach Kelvin Smith was pleased with the way his team is shooting.
Eric Truss netted six three point baskets on his way to a game high 20 points. Corey Breland had 13 in a losing effort for North Forrest.
West Lauderdale 61
Columbia 54
In a hotly contested first half, the Knights took a three point halftime lead 29-26.
In the second half, the Knights stretched their lead to double digits, but Columbia got within three at 51-48 with 2:13 remaining. The Knights closed the game on a 10-6 run, winning 61-54.
Chris Seaphus had a game high 18 points for West Lauderdale. Brandon Medious had 15 in a losing effort for Columbia.
In other games the Quitman girls beat Kemper County 52-48, the Northeast Lauderdale boys beat Quitman 62-60 in overtime, the West Lauderdale boys nipped the Meridian High School B-team 39-38