West takes two at Neshoba Classic

By By Jamie Sullivan/staff writer
Jan. 4, 2002
The Neshoba Central Classic got underway Thursday with several local teams coming out with big wins.
The West Lauderdale Lady Knights took a 56-41 decision over the Lady Tornadoes of Philadelphia, Duran Clark and his Knights' took a 59-51 win over Philadelphia as well.
In other tournament action, the Neshoba Central Lady Rockets knocked off the Whippets of Kosciusko 58-39, while Kelvin Smiths' Rockets rocked Kosciusko 67-51.
The Neshoba Central Rockets used a win to get to the second round of action, and a bit to play West Lauderdale again, for the third time this season.
The Rockets and the Knights met up two times earlier in the season, with West Lauderdale winning the first game, and Neshoba taking the second game.
Desmond Jones led the Rockets by the Whippets, as he tossed in 20 points for the Rockets.
Kosciusko jumped out to an early first quarter lead, but the Rockets would respond in the second quarter with 25 points compared to seven for the Whippets. The Rocket lead the contest 36-22 at the halftime intermission.
In the second half, Neshoba Central padded its lead by four points to take a 51-33 lead into the final period.
The Whippets tried to make a run in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Rockets 18-16, but time would expire, with the Rockets on top 67-51.
The Rockets were led in scoring by Jones with 20, Tawon and Tavares Walker added 11 apiece.
The Whippets will play Philadelphia today at 5:30, while the Rockets will have the night cap which starts at 8:30.
West Lauderdale 59
Philly 51
The West Lauderdale Knights skipped past the Philadelphia Tornadoes 59-51.
Philadelphia head coach Keith Robinson said, "West Lauderdale just outsmarted us." "They make the plays when they need to be made."
The Tornadoes jumped out to an early first half lead, but West Lauderdale would answer the calling in the second half.
West Lauderdale scored 34 points in the second half to take a 59-51 decision over the Tornadoes.
The Knights were led in scoring by Calvin Moore with 26.
Philadelphia was led in scoring by Tellas Burnside with 13, and Bobby Goodin added 10.
The Lady Rockets started their tournament run off on the right foot, as they knocked off Kosciusko 58-39.
The Whippets jumped out to an early led in the first quarter, but the Lady Rockets responded in the second quarter, taking a 25-16 halftime lead.
Elyse Willis knocked down four three point shots to hoist the Lady Rockets to a 58-39 victory.
The Rockets improved to 15-5, while the Whippets fell to 4-14.
Krystal Wells led the Lady Rockets with 21 points, while Willis added 18.
The Whippets were led in scoring by Robin Dawson with 19, and Aly Frazure added 11 points.
Neshoba Central will face Philadelphia today, while the Whippets will tangle with West Lauderdale.
West Lauderdale 56 (Girls)
Philly 41
The West Lauderdale Lady Knights took a 56-41 win over the Philadelphia Lady Tornadoes Thursday night at Neshoba Central Classic.
The Lady Knights head coach Jody Hurst felt his Lady Knights started a little slow, but they regained their composure in the second half.
The Knights used Huggins in the second half to counter the Lady Tornadoes scoring, 27-27.
Huggins led the Lady Knights with 14, while Patty Moore and Kristina Gardner added 11 apiece.
Shekara Young led the Lady tornadoes with 16 points.
The tournament will continue today, with West Lauderdale playing Kosciusko, and Neshoba Central hosting Philadelphia.