By Staff
Feb. 18, 2001
By Cassie Chance
Special to The Star
MENDENAHALL If good things come to those who wait, then the West Jones Lady Mustangs have waited long enough.
It's been at least six years since West Jones found themselves in the playoffs. That streak came to an end late Friday night as the Lady Mustangs used a 20-point rally in the third quarter to take a 56-47 win over the top-seeded Northeast Lauderdale Lady Trojans in the girls championship game of the Division 5-4A tournament.
After Northeast got out to an early 11-0 lead, the Lady Mustangs called a timeout with 3:24 remaining on the clock. West Jones then scored four points to cut the Northeast lead to 13-7 at the end of the first quarter.
West Jones opened the second quarter much like the Lady Trojans started the first as the Lady Mustangs went on an 8-0 run early in the quarter to trim the Northeast lead to 25-21 at the intermission.
West Jones came back from the break ready to play as they outscored Northeast 20-6 to take a 10-point advantage heading into the final quarter of play. Northeast rallied in the fourth, but West Jones held on to take the 56-47 win.
The Lady Mustangs were led by Sharon Pendarvis' 17 points and Brandi Sartin's 10. They will host Division 8-4A runner-up Stone County on Monday night.
Dorecious Powe led the Lady Trojans (22-11) with 17, and Quin Jackson added 14. Northeast will travel to George County on Monday night.
Boys' Finals: After being down 31-26 at halftime, the South Jones Braves rallied in the second half to take a 67-66 win over No. 1 seeded Mendenhall in the boys championship game of the Division 5-4A tournament. The Braves outscored the Tigers 24-8 in the third quarter en route to the win.
James Hobbs led Mendenhall with a career high 43 points. The Tigers will travel to Vancleave on Monday night.
Thadeddaus Walters and Rashane Walters contributed 19 apiece for South Jones and LaFayette Nelson added 17. The Braves will host the Division 8-4A winner on Monday night.