from staff reports
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN —
Southeast Lauderdale had three players score in double figures Friday and the Tigers reached the girls championship game of the Sam Dale tournament by routing host Northeast Lauderdale 74-38.
Tay Ruffin led Southeast, which improved to 16-1, with 25 points. Charaie Harbin added 20, while Crystal Clay finished with 12. Jasmine Bush chipped in with nine for the Tigers.
Northeast was led by Shaqunta McDonald’s 15 and Dana Logan’s 12.
The Tigers will play Quitman today at 5 p.m. for the championship after the Panthers defeated Kemper County 52-23 to improve to 12-4.
Kemper and Northeast play at 2 p.m. in the consolation game.
Quitman also won its boys game as the Panthers edged Southeast Lauderdale 47-41. The 9-4 Panthers will play either host Northeast Lauderdale or four-time defending Sam Dale champion Kemper County today at 6:30 p.m.
— Jamie Wachter
Meridian 56
Terry boys 54
The Wildcats built a 14-point lead in the first half on the road Friday before having to hold off the Bulldogs.
Torlorf Thomas led MHS, which improved to 13-4, with 18 points and Dennis Miles added 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Wildcats then held off Terry despite poor free-throw shooting down the stretch.
Meridian hosts Petal on Tuesday in its Division 5-6A opener.
— Jamie Wachter
Meridian 56
Terry girls 19
The Wildcats cruised in their final tuneup prior to division play, hammering the host Bulldogs.
Kayla Gordon led MHS, which moved to 14-2, with 23 points. The Wildcats host Petal on Tuesday.
— Jamie Wachter
Newton County 66
Lake boys 40
DeAndre Wansley led the Cougars with 20 points while Rakenyae Cole added 12.
Newton County, which is now 11-4, hosts Quitman on Tuesday.
— Jamie Wachter
