Jackson Murrah defeats Wayne County in 5A finals

By By Carver Rayburn/staff writer
March 8, 2003
JACKSON Shaneka Jones hit two clutch free throws with 7.4 seconds remaining to give Murrah a five-point lead and eventually a 50-48 win over Wayne County in the girls 5A State Championship Friday night at Mississippi Coliseum.
This was the fifth title for Murrah in its last six tries.
Murrah led by as much as 12 in the second half, before the Lady War Eagles mounted a comeback that fell just inches short.
Murrah head coach Anna Jackson was extremely pleased with the No. 3-seed Lady Mustangs' win over the No.1-seed Lady War Eagles.
Murrah defeated Wayne County earlier in the season by 17 points.
Wayne County started out shacky in the first quarter and were only able to gather four points in the opening eight minutes of play.
Murrah was led by Alabama signee Navonda Moore in the first quarter with 13 of the Lady Mustangs first 16 points. Moore finished with 22 points.
Moore said that she expected a close game, despite the way Wayne County started off.
Murrah was leading 36-28 going into the fourth quarter before Wayne County used a full-court press to force turnovers and get back into the game.
Carle Bartee hit a jump shot with 7:36 remaining in the game to spark the Lady War Eagles. Wayne County would go on to outscore the Lady Mustangs 12-1 over the next 4:32.
Sonya Henderson hit a shot with 3:16 remaining to give Wayne County a 40-39 lead. It was battle down the stretch from this point on.
Shaneka Jones gave the Lady Mustangs a 43-42 lead with a short jump shot, with 2:01 left to play. Murrah never let go of the lead again in the final two minutes.
Wayne County coach Gina Skelton showed a great sense of pride in her team after the game.
Wayne County was lead by Ratassia Worsham with 11 points, and Carla Bartee with a game high 22 points.
The Lady War Eagles finished the season with a record of 23-7 and the honor of 5A state runner-up.