Cougars advance to 5-3A semifinals

By By Jamie Sullivan/staff writer
Feb. 13, 2002
HEIDELBERG The Newton County Cougars advanced to Thursday's semifinals of the Division 5-3A Tournament with an impressive 89-68 win over Choctaw Central here at Heidelberg Gym Tuesday night.
In girls' action, Choctaw Central beat Carthage 71-47 and Heidelberg defeated Philadelphia 77-54.
Thursday's girls' semifinals will have Heidelberg taking on Choctaw Central at 4 p.m. and top-seeded West Lauderdale playing defending Class 3A state champion Southeast Lauderdale at 7 p.m.
In Thursday's boys' semifinal action, West Lauderdale takes on Philadelphia at 5:30 p.m. with top-seeded Heidelberg facing off with Newton County at 8:30.
Newton Co. boys 89
Choctaw Central 68
The Cougars used 18 points in the first quarter to pace themselves to a berth in the second round of the 5-3A Tournament.
The Warriors only scored 11 points in the second quarter compared to 22 by the Cougars. The Cougars led 40-23 at the intermission.
In the third quarter, the Cougars came out on a hot streak as they dropped 25 points on the Warriors to take a 65-44 lead into the fourth quarter.
In the final quarter of the contest, the Warriors found a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 71-59.
After a few trips up and down the floor, Newton County used a 5-0 run to take a 77-59 lead with four minutes left on the clock.
The score went back and forth from there with both teams shooting free throws.
Newton County sealed the decision when Ricardo Alcanter scored the final basket to claim a 89-68 decision.
Smith led the Cougars in scoring with 30 points. Willis added 20, Mylan Anderson 13, and Del Murrell 11.
The 15-9 Cougars will look to play Heidelberg on Thursday night.
Choctaw Central 71
Carthage girls 47
The Lady Warriors will face the Lady Oilers of Heidelberg on Thursday at 4 p.m., while the Lady Tigers were eliminated from the tourney.
Choctaw Central, 24-5, was led in scoring by Chantay Frazier with 18 points, Willamae Thomas with 13, Brittany Morris 11, and Ashley Flint and Trish Phillips with 10 apiece. 22.
Heidelberg girls 77
Philadelphia 54
The Lady Oilers earned a semifinal date with Choctaw Central at 4 p.m. Thursday with the 23-point win.
Heidelberg led 40-25 at halftime and used its tenacious press to end Philadelphia's season.
Jessica Yates and Catina Fowler both had 19 points for Heidelberg, 19-13. The Lady Oilers also got 15 points from Princess Bender.