Philadelphia flies into second round

By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Feb. 24, 2004
PHILADELPHIA The Philadelphia Lady Tornadoes had few problems taking their first step in the Class 2A South State Tournament Monday night.
The Lady Tornadoes got a 23-point effort from Dominetrix Hunter in beating Gulfport St. John 51-24 in the play-in game.
Philadelphia (25-5) will meet the Bassfield-Loyd Star winner Thursday at 7 p.m. at Perry Central. Perry Central defeated Ackerman 69-50 to host the eight-team tournament.
St. John was out of school Monday for the Mardi Gras holiday and the Lady Eagles' offense took the night off as well with the exception of Jill Beattie, who finished with 13 points. In their best quarter, the St. John girls managed only nine points.
The Lady Eagles were whistled for 22 fouls to seven for the Lady Tornadoes. Philadelphia was 13-of-26 at the free-throw line, while St. John was 3-of-4.
Philadelphia outscored the Lady Eagles in each quarter with a 25-9 advantage in the fourth breaking the game wide open.
After turning the ball over on their first two possessions of the game, the Lady Tornadoes finished the night with 14 turnovers, while St. John had 22.
Philadelphia led 12-7 after one quarter and took a 17-11 lead into halftime. The Lady Tornadoes were up 26-15 through three quarters. Hunter scored 19 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter.
Philadelphia got eight points from Shenique Brass and five each from Shanese Hunter, Ashley Lowery, and Candisha Shannon.
St. John (23-7) also got five points from Blair Ryle.