By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Dec. 27, 2001
JACKSON Warren Central came into the Jackson Public School /Pepsi Holiday Classic with a line-up featuring four players at least 6-foot-4 or better. This included talented senior post Sherman Logan.
Yet the physical size of the Vikings could not stop the quickness of the West Lauderdale Knights. The Knights slew the Vikings 76-61 as Calvin Moore and Boo Ramsey combined for 54 points.
West Lauderdale, now 13-3, moved on to a second round matchup against Jackson Lanier today at 5:30 p.m. at Jackson Wingfield gym.
The Vikings, instead of using their size to a bigger advantage, opened by pressing the Knights. Big mistake. West Lauderdale was able to use the open space to get its game revved up.
It didn't take long for either Moore or Ramsey to get hot. Ramsey opened with a three-pointer while Moore made five of his 11 baskets in the first quarter.
The Knights eased out to a 19-12 lead following Ramsey's second trey of the quarter. He would make three in the game and finished with 26 points.
Warren Central used a late run to close to within one at 21-20 by quarter's end. It was 30-30 when the Knights scored six straight to go up 36-30 following a three-pointer from point guard Karlos Lewis and two free throws by Moore. It was 37-35 at the half.
The Vikings, who were led by Logan's 22 points, were hurt when he picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter. West was able to extend its lead to 10 points before settling in at 54-46 after three quarters.
A three-point play by Lewis made it an 11-point lead at 57-46 with 7:08 to play. The Vikings got it back to 10 but could get no closer because Moore was able to beat any of their defenders off the dribble once West spread it out.
Moore ended with a game high 28 points. Andre Adams chipped in 12 points while Lewis had 10.
The Knights finished with 29 made field goals and were 14-of-23 from the line.
Warren Central got an additional 15 points from Carlton Bradford. The Vikings shot just five free throws in the game, making three.
Jeff Byrd is a sports writer for the Meridian Star. He can be reached at 693-1551 or by e-mail at jbyrd@themeridianstar.com.