Sumter boys take win to reach AISA semis

By By Jeff Byrd/staff Writer
Feb. 10, 2002
The Sumter Academy boys punched a ticket to the AISA Class 2A Final Four by beating Victory Christian 59-49 on Saturday afternoon at Wallace-Selma Community College in Selma, Ala.
John Upchurch helped lead Sumter to the West Regional title by scoring 22 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. J.D. Todd chipped in 16 points and pulled down 17 boards.
Shane Martin added 11 points for Sumter who improves to 15-6 on the season. Next up will the Final Four next week at Huntingdon College in Montgomery. The Eagles will play either Springwood or Edgewood in the state semifinal game.
Sumter took a 17-9 lead in the first quarter. Victory Christian used a 15-9 second quarter to cut it to 26-24 by halftime. Both teams scored 16 in the third to make it 42-40. Sumter then had a 17-point fourth quarter to take the 10-point win.
Clarkdale boys 33
Noxapater 31
Clarkdale picked up a win in its regular season finale against Noxapater on Friday night.
Clarkdale improves to 7-22 following the 33-31 win. Brandon Mabry had 16 points for the Bulldogs.
Jonathan Hunter had 17 to lead Noxapater.
Clarkdale led 15-10 at the half. Noxapater scored 14 in the third quarter to go up 24-23. Clarkdale got 10 in the fourth to claim the win.
Clarkdale will open Division 5-2A play on Tuesday at South Leake.
Central Hinds 31
Lamar 30
Central Hinds edged Lamar 31-30 in the District 3-AAA girls tournament.
Lamar, 5-24, will go to the South State AAA Tournament as the No. 4 team from District 3.
Lamar got 11 points from April Rodgers and eight each from Libby Huff and Myleia Shirley.
Rachel Newton chipped in nine to lead Central Hinds.
Lamar led 9-8 after one but Central came back with an 11-9 second quarter to take a 19-18 lead at the half. Both teams scored 12 in the second half.