Lady Cobras rally past McLaurin
Published 6:00 am Wednesday, January 7, 2004
WESSON — The Wesson Lady Cobras overcame a sluggish firstquarter to produce three high-scoring quarters on their way to a54-43 Division 6-2A win over the McLaurin Lady Tigers Tuesdaynight. It was Wesson’s first district win of the season.
In the boys game, the Cobras dug themselves into a deep hole inthe first half and battled back in the second half but lost to theTigers 64-55.
In the girls game, Wesson guard Christy Watson nailed a basketat the end of the first quarter to cut the McLaurin lead to 10-9.The Lady Tigers led the Lady Cobras 14-13 with 4:48 left but itwould be the last lead for McLaurin in the game.
Wesson freshman guard Alexis Crosby came off the bench to ignitethe Lady Cobras with a three-pointer with 2:33 left in the firsthalf for a 16-14 lead. Going into the dressing room, the LadyCobras were up two points, 24-22, following a two-point jumper atthe buzzer by McLaurin forward Felicia Thomas.
In the second half, Wesson outscored McLaurin 30-21 to securethe 11-point win.
“We played good against their press tonight,” said Wesson girlscoach Jemmye Ann Helms after the win. “We shot the ball well. Wemade our free throws (19-29). When our post people score, weusually win.”
Powering Wesson (4-11, 1-4) with 17 points was senior guardHayley Carr. Senior center Anna Johnson fired in 12 points and ledoff the backboards with 10 rebounds. Crosby finished with 12points, going 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Grabbing ninerebounds was Megan Allen.
For Coach Tammy West’s Lady Tigers, Shayla McLin led with 15points. Thomas followed with 13 points. McLaurin fell to 4-15overall and remains winless 0-3 in district play.
McLaurin 64, Wesson 55
McLaurin (3-11, 1-2) jumped on cold-shooting Wesson (6-9, 0-5)18-5 in the first quarter and pushed their lead to 26-11 at thehalf. The Cobras battled back in the second half cutting thedeficit to eight points at one time but they couldn’t match theTigers speed on the fast breaks.
“This was our best game of the season so far,” said McLaurinboys coach Jason Kelly. “We played a lot of 4A and 5A teams (Pearl,Brandon, NW Rankin) at the beginning of the year. “
McLaurin placed three players in double figures. Guard JesusEvern led with 19 points. Netting 16 points was Jamille Evernfollowed by Jeremal Allen with 12 points.
“We need a well-balanced offensive attack,” said first-yearWesson boys coach Ron Kessler. “It was tough to come from behindagainst a team like McLaurin. The slow streaks have been ourweakness.”
Directing Wesson with a game-high 29 points, nine rebounds andfour steals was guard Collin King. Center Herman Johnson finishedwith 12 points and eight rebounds. Wade Williams collected sevenrebounds.
“We knew Wesson would make a run in the second half,” addedKelly.
Junior Varsity Girls
The 3-2 Wesson girls whipped McLaurin 29-9. Bethany Dykessparked the Lady Cobras with 11 points. Crosby finished with sixpoints.
Wesson hosts Enterprise Friday night for three games. The juniorvarsity boys begin play at 5 p.m. followed by two varsitygames.