Hopson delivers late again
By By Jeff Byrd / sports editor
Jan. 29, 2003
For the second time within a week, Northeast Lauderdale's Crystal Hopson won a game at the horn.
On Tuesday night, Hopson glided past the West Jones defense for a game-winning layup as time expired lifting the Lady Trojans to a 43-41 win.
The victory was the Lady Trojans' 11th straight since a 4-7 start. Northeast is now 15-7 on the season and 4-1 inside Division 5-4A.
The club can clinch the top seed for next month's division tournament at Northeast with a win Friday at home against Northeast Jones.
The Lady Trojans made only 3-of-16 free throws in the fourth quarter. But down one, Quin Jackson made one to count following a bizarre technical foul.
West Jones had hit a three-pointer with eight seconds left to go up one at 41-40. The Lady Mustangs called time out to set up the defense. The only problem was, when play resumed, six Lady Mustangs were on the court.
A technical was called for having two many girls on the floor. Jackson went to the line and made one shot to tie the game. Northeast would still have a chance to win it following the inbound.
Many observers thought Hopson walked, but no call was made. The basket was ruled good and Northeast's streak had been extended to 11 games.
Shaquita Bell led Northeast with 19 points. Jackson and Hopson each finished with 12.
Kelsey Hopkins had 13 points including nine in the third quarter. Tiffany Moffett added 12. She was a perfect 8-for-8 from the foul line including four makes in the fourth quarter.
Northeast boys 69
West Jones 58
A full court press helped the Trojans get by a scrappy team from West Jones 69-58 on Tuesday night at the Trojans Gym.
Northeast, now 14-10 overall, led by just two at 27-25 early in the third quarter. There the Trojans reeled off a 14-2 run to go up 41-27.
A three-pointer by DeKenno Winston followed by a steal and layup by Harold Grace handed the Trojans a commanding 46-29 advantage. It was 50-35 after three quarters.
The visiting Mustangs, however, battled back behind 6-foot-5 center in Adam Sumrall. Sumrall scored eight, in-close, points to pull his team back within 10 at 56-46. Two baskets by Ira Lee Keys made it 56-50 with 2:39 to play.
The Trojans then went back on the offensive getting a free throw from Winston and a field goal by Grace to make it 59-50. Northeast was able to hold off the Mustangs from that point.
Winston finished with 22 points. Kalani White had 18 followed by Grace who scored all 12 of his points in the second half.
Sumrall ended the night with a game high 26 points. Keys had 13 and Anthony Newell chipped in 10.
