By By Robby Atkinson/Special to The Star
Jan. 24, 2001
The visiting Lady Tigers of Newton used a late free throw rally and take a 53-44 victory over the homestanding Clarkdale Lady Bulldogs Tuesday.
The first half of action saw very little offense as the Lady Tigers held a 22-17 lead at the break.
The second half would prove to be a very different story. Newton opened the third quarter of action on a small 5-0 run to extend its lead to 27-17. Clarkdale cut the Lady Tiger lead to 27-19 on a basket by Carmelita Naylor with 5:12 remaining in the third period.
Newton quickly answered with a score by Twila Clayton, then forced a Clarkdale turnover for another basket to make the lead 31-19. Clarkdale came storming back behind the play of Naylor as the Lady Bulldogs trailed 36-29 at the end of the third quarter.
Naylor continued to pour in shots as Clarkdale drew within a single point at 41-40 with 4:14 remaining in the contest. Newton proved too much for the Lady Bulldogs toward the end of the game though. Clayton and Gray combined to shut down the Clarkdale attack and take the 53-44 win.
Clayton led the way in scoring for Newton with 25 huge points on the night. Gray followed with 15 points in the big win for the Lady Tigers.
Naylor led Clarkdale with 16 points. Donielle Gaddis followed with 14 points. Tamara Brown also chipped in eight points for Clarkdale.
Newton 106, Clarkdale 69: Newton led 30-15 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back in taking the victory.
Mario Qualls led the Newton attack with 24 points and Lance Pruitt followed with 18 points. Keon Johnson and Bobby Lindsey each had 12 points in the win for Newton. Ladarrian Blaylock also chipped in nine points for the Tigers.
Richard Matthews led the way in scoring for Clarkdale with 25 points. Brandon Mabry and Anthony Holliday each added 13 points in the loss. Bryant Gaddis also checked in with 12 points for Clarkdale.
Both squads return to action next Tuesday night. Newton pays a visit to Quitman while Clarkdale will travel to West Lauderdale.