By By Fredie Carmichael/Special to The Star
Feb. 16, 2001
Clarkdale coach Ronny Roberts watched his long career with the Bulldogs end Thursday night as they never recovered from a sluggish start and fell to Bay Springs 64-54.
Bay Springs boys 64, Clarkdale 54: The slipper wouldn't quite fit for Clarkdale as what appeared to be a Cinderella run through the first two games of the tournament came up just short.
Bay Springs jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and the host Bulldogs could never recover.
Clarkdale made a valiant effort, cutting it to 62-54 with 1:21 left to play. But Bay Springs got some good calls from the officials in the game's last minute and took the 64-54 victory.
Bay Springs was led by Jason Forte's 21 and Kevin Wheaton's 14.
Richard Mathews and Anthony Holliday led Clarkdale with 15 apiece.
Newton boys 74, Morton 56: Newton never trailed and was aided by another big first half from Mario Qualls as it went to the championship game with a 74-56 beating of Morton.
Qualls and company got off to another quick start as the Tigers took a 39-22 lead into the locker room.
Newton was led by Lance Pruitt with 22 points, followed by Qualls with 14 points. Bobby Lindsey added 13 points
Newton will face Bay Springs at 7:30 tonight for the 7-2A championship.