Wayne County Lady War Eagles knock off Gulfport
By By Jamie Sullivan/staff writer
Feb. 23, 2002
WAYNESBORO The Wayne County Lady War Eagles picked up their 32nd win of the season, by knocking off the Gulfport Lady Admirals 79-68 in the semifinals of the Class 5A Girls South State Tournament held at Wayne County High School.
In other girls action, Hancock defeated Moss Point 58-52. Moss Point will tip-off against Gulfport today, with the winner advancing to the Class 5A State Championship.
Wayne County fell behind early, as the Lady Admirals took a 14-8 lead after four minutes of play. The Lady War Eagles got a three-pointer by Natalie Jordan to cut the lead to 14-11. After a quick foul by the Lady Admirals, Sonya Henderson made free throws to make the score 14-13. The Lady Admirals went on a 4-0 run, to make the score 18-13, but the Lady War Eagles responded with a 6-0 run of their own to end the first quarter on top 19-18.
In the second quarter, the Lady War Eagles found a 5-0 run to jump out to a 30-24 lead. The Lady Admirals did not respond to the run, and they found themselves trailing 36-33 at the half.
The third quarter saw the Lady Admirals find a 7-0 run to cut the Lady War Eagles lead to 51-46. The Lady War Eagles took a 58-52 lead into the final quarter.
Things begin to wild in the final quarter, as the Lady Admirals fouled three of their starting five players out.
Andrea Jenkins found the bench with 5:04 left in the game, Gail Weary retired with 2:25 left in the game, and Shamayla Walker was benched with 1:15 left in the game.
The Lady War Eagles used the free throw line to their advantage in the first couple of minutes, by 4 of 6 attempts to start a 6-0 run.
The Lady War Eagles went on to out score the Lady Admirals 21-16 to advance to the finals today against Hancock.
Wayne County was led in scoring by Jordan with 24, Nicole Jordan with 22, and Carla Bartee with 17 points.
The 25-5 Lady Admirals were led in scoring by Joanna Williams with 26 and Lakesha Ross with 16 points.
Hancock 58
Moss Point 52
The Hancock Lady Hawks took care of the Lady Tigers of Moss Point in the semifinals of the South State Tournament Friday night.
The 25-9 Lady Hawks were led in scoring by Brooke Necaise with 22, Devin Necaise with 14, and Latisha Shiyou with 11 points on the night.
The 25-8 Lady Tigers were led in scoring by Brandee Fry with 17 and Angel Lidell with 14 points.
Both teams will be in action today, when Moss Point will tangle with Gulfport for a trip to the Class 5A State Championship in Jackson, and Wayne County will host Hancock for the South State Title.
Sophomore Necaise is looking forward to todays match-up.
Wayne County head coach Gina Skelton said they have to do a good job on defense, if they want a chance to win.
