By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Nov. 19, 2003
COLLINSVILLE Lee Nelson and Mark Ford each scored in double digits for West Lauderdale on Tuesday as the Knights beat visiting Neshoba Central 62-44.
After holding the Rockets at arm's length for much of the game, West Lauderdale put the game away in the fourth quarter, allowing Neshoba Central just four points in the last three and a half minutes.
Nelson led all players with 19 points, and Ford chipped in 17 for West Lauderdale, now 5-1 for the year. Neshoba Central's Anthony Jones led his team with 16 points.
The Knights came out of the gates quickly, building a 22-8 lead in the first quarter, but mistakes kept the Rockets in the game. West Lauderdale often committed turnovers on routine passes, particularly in transition.
Though West Lauderdale struggled offensively after its explosive first period the Knights scored 14 in the second quarter and nine in the third defense helped maintain what was oftentimes a double-digit lead.
The Rockets pulled to within 47-37 with just under six minutes to go, but quick layups from Rayshun Hopson and Nelson helped the Knights build a 15-point lead with three and a half minutes remaining.
Lady Knights 60
Lady Rockets 37
The Lady Knights improved to 5-2 for the season with a 23-point victory over Neshoba Central.
West Lauderdale controlled the pace of the game from the start, jumping out to an 8-0 lead midway through the first quarter. The Lady Knights forced turnovers on defense and created fast break opportunities down the floor against the Lady Rockets, who fell to 1-5.
Tuesday night, West Lauderdale pushed upcourt at will. Shannon Lloyd picked off several Neshoba Central passes underneath the basket, often leading to breakaway layups for Kaihia Fitch.
Offense came in bunches on Tuesday, though. Three Lady Knights cracked double figures. Lloyd had 11 points, and Cierra Jennings led all players with 17 points.
Sharpshooter Vankeila Wilson added 12 points, all in the first half. Wilson suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return, but Hurst said the injury was not serious.
Earlier in the evening, Neshoba Central's girls B-team edged West Lauderdale 34-32.