Natchez overpowers Lawrence County
Published 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 22, 2010
MONTICELLO – Natchez swept a varsity double-header from LawrenceCounty in high school basketball action Tuesday night as theBulldogs posted impressive victories. In girls’ play, Coach AngelaJohnson’s Lady Bulldogs broke open a tight game in the late going,and earned a 59-49 victory.
In the boys’ game, Natchez dominated from the outset and won 66-37,thoroughly avenging a loss to Lawrence County back on Nov.17.
Natchez 59, Lawrence 49
The girls’ game was an entertaining affair. Natchez held a 25-22lead at halftime, but Lawrence County stormed back to grab a 35-30lead midway through the third quarter. After that, the LadyBulldogs, buoyed by center Ricarla Shotwell, outscored LCHS 29-24the rest of the way.
Shotwell led the 11-1 Lady Bulldogs with 17 points. Rebecca Minoradded 12 points and Kiara Johnson 10.
Junior standout Tiaria Griffin led Coach Vicki Rutland’s LadyCougars with 20 points and Mary Margaret McLaurin added 10.
“We were just a day late and a dollar short tonight,” said Rutland,whose Lady Cougars fell to 9-4. “We just didn’t have any rhythm,and we struggle with opponents that have a dominant big girl. Thiswas not a good night for us.”
Natchez 66, Lawrence 37
It was an even worse night for the LCHS boys. The Cougars hadbeaten Natchez a month before, but those who only saw Tuesday’sgame may have had a hard time believing that. Trevon Chatman scored15 of his game-high 22 points as the Bulldogs raced to a 30-point,49-19 halftime lead.
Also hitting double figures for Coach Mike Martin’s Bulldogs wereJonathan Griffin and Rashun Bates, who scored 10 points each.
David Haynes scored Lawrence’s first 8 points and led the Cougarswith 12. Coach Pat Bridges’ LCHS squad fell to 8-5 with theloss.
Lawrence County will participate in the Mendenhall ChristmasInvitational next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.