Tigner hurts ankle; Lady Cougars roar past Winston girls
Published 6:00 am Thursday, February 22, 2007
Brookhaven Academy’s Lady Cougars celebrated their opening round48-29 Tuesday night win over Winston Academy in the MPSA Class AAState Tournament but their main concern was the condition of DrewHolland Tigner, their leading scorer and rebounder. Tignersustained a high-ankle sprain early in the fourth quarter.
Tigner finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds as the LadyCougars improved their record to 35-4 on the season and landed aberth in Friday’s semifinals in John R. Gray Gymnasium. They’llface Delta, a 53-47 winner over Adams County Christian School.Friday at 2:15.
Today’s second round girls action features Copiah Academy versusMarshall Academy at 4 and North No. 1 seed Leake Academy vs.Columbia Academy at 6:30.
With 5:29 left in the game, Tigner fell to the floor afterbanking in an off-balance jumper. KDMC athletic trainer Lee Dunawayexamined the injury and sent her to the hospital for X-rays.
“It’s a high ankle sprain,” said Brookhaven Academy girls coachBarry Gray. “Hopefully, Drew can get some rehab for two days and beready to play Friday. She might be 75 percent.”
Tigner, a 5-foot-11 sophomore, had 10 points and 7 rebounds athalftime. She is the second starter to go down with an injury inthe last month. Three weeks ago, BA junior playmaker Betsy Lynchsustained a torn ACL for the third time in her career.
“I’m real proud of my girls and what they have accomplished thisseason,” said Gray. “They have made the final 12 (in Class AA) andwill play in the Overall,” referring to next week’s MPSA OverallTournament at Mississippi College in Clinton.
“Our girls have worked hard to get better,” said Gray. “This isour third straight game to hold a team under 30 points. We playedgood defense.”
Gray’s girls, No. 1 out of the South AA Tournament, forced arash of Winston turnovers. They got 12 points from Kelli Snider,plus 5 rebounds. Kacey Rutland added 11 rebounds and 4 steals.Point guard Casey Smith made 3 assists.
Winston (17-16), No. 4 out of the North, is coached by FarrellRigby. The Lady Patriots got 12 points from Cody Ingle.
Delta 53, ACCS 47
A 21-point performance by Bliss Gurley led Delta over the ACCSLady Rebels. Jill Campbell added 9 points.
ACCS was led by Michelle Guedon’s 12 points and ArianDeLasalle’s 11.