NP girls win Wesson tourney

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, January 4, 2005

WESSON — The North Pike Lady Jaguars captured their secondstraight Wesson Invitational Tournament title Thursday night with a68-39 win over the Wesson Lady Cobras in the championship game.North Pike was the defending champ.

In the consolation game, Natchez Cathedral knocked off St.Aloysius 66-30.

North Pike 68, Wesson 39

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“We got another good effort from out team,” said NorthPike girls coach John B. Stephens after the win. “KeOnna Pittmancame off the bench and did a beck of a job from the post. It wasanother good effort. We came in determined to play hardtonight.”

The first quarter was close as North Pike (9-4) took aone-point 14-13 lead. The Lady Jags’ press and inside shooting tookover in the second quarter as the Lady Cobras (7-8) struggled fromthe floor and the backboards. At the half, North Pike commanded a32-21 lead.

The Lady Jags continued to dominate with a 19-9 run inthe third quarter and finished with a 17-9 run in the finalframe.

Tenesia Leonard, the tournament’s MVP, led the Lady Jagswith 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds. KeOnna Pittman netted17 points. Conitra Wall fired in 13 points and pulled down fiverebounds. Britta Stephens grabbed five rebounds.

Wesson girls coach Jemmye Ann Helms was pleased that hergirls made to the championship game for the first time since thetourney began.

“We’re happy to get to the championship game,” saidHelms. “But we didn’t rebound. We turned the ball over too much. Wemissed our free throws. We did play a good firstquarter.”

Leading Wesson with 10 points, including 3three-pointers, was sophomore guard Alexis Crosby. Perry K. Furrfollowed with six points.

“Coach Helms has got the Wesson girls playing better,”complimented Stephens. “They are to be congratulated. Her kidsplayed with good intensity and hustle.”

Natchez Cathedral 66, St. Aloysius 30

Directing Natchez Cathedral to the win with 7three-pointers for 21 points was Rachel Sanders. LaReina Adamsfollowed with 20 points.

St. Aloysius got six points from Sarah Kerut and SaraBurrell.

Wesson hosts McLaurin and North Pike entertains AmiteCounty Tuesday night in district action.