Knights struggle in Day 2 of Lauderdale Co. Tourney

By Staff
November 12, 2004
By Austin Bishop / EMG regional sports director
West Lauderdale took a sluggish 43-33 win over Southeast Lauderdale in boys basketball action at Meridian Community College's Ivy Sports Center on Friday to set up a championship showdown in the Lauderdale County Basketball Tournament against Northeast Lauderdale on Saturday.
Earlier this week the Knights played an outstanding game in a six-point loss to Kemper County, something Clark was hoping would give his team some lift.
Danie Huggins led West Lauderdale with 13 points, while Ricky Gardner tossed in nine.
Derrick Landrum scored 12 points to pace the Tigers of Southeast Lauderdale, while Chris Gordon added 10.
The Southeast Lauderdale boys and girls play Clarkdale on Saturday, while the West boys and girls face Northeast.
SE Lauderdale (girls) 82
West Lauderdale 36
Halfway through the second quarter the Lady Tigers had their hands full with the the Lady Knights of West Lauderdale.
West Lauderdale fought back to cut SEL's lead to eight points at 32-24, but then Southeast scored seven quick points to jump out to a 39-24 lead. SEL led 45-26 at the half and the outscored West 37-10 in the second half to roll to the easy victory.
If Southeast Lauderdale beats Clarkdale on Saturday, the Lady Tigers will win the Lauderdale County Tournament title.
Southeast was just too quick for West Lauderdale. The Lady Tigers, who are now 4-0 on the year, were also just too hot from the outside.
SEL made seven three-pointers in the first half, including three from Marqueta Reed who finished the night with a game-high 24 points. She wasn't the only Lady Tiger who put up big points, as Lucy ruffing scored 18 points behind four three-pointers and Tiawana Pringle and Chastisi Nichols hit for 15 each.
Kelly Ward was four-for-four from the free throw line and led West Lauderale with 10 points. Whitney Gale scored eight, while Cee Cee Hampton added seven.
NE Lauderdale (girls) 52
Clarkdale 40
Northeast Lauderdale outscored Clarkdale 16-6 in the third quarter to break up a 24-24 halftime tie on the way to the 12-point win.
Clarkdale struggled at the free throw line, making just eight of 28 free throws, while Northeast hit on seven of 11.
Northeast led 16-10 after one quarter of play, before Clarkdale rallied to tie the game at the half.
Shaquita Bell led Northeast Lauderdale with 21 points, while Lady Graham had 11 for the Lady Bulldogs.
NE Lauderdale (boys) 81
Clarkdale 30
The Trojans rolled out to a 51-8 halftime lead on the way to the easy victory.
Ramero Osby scored 18 points to lead Northeast, while Maurice Langston hit for 12 and Marquez Silliman and Alex Ford had 10 each. Henley Sharman led Clarkdale with 15.