Amari McDonald finished with six 3s and 23 points for Northeast Lauderdale as the Trojans survived senior night against Kosciusko 52-47 in Friday night prep basketball action.

The game started with a lot of intensity as both teams began to trade baskets for much of the first half. Both teams battled on the defensive end, making it difficult for either team to get an easy bucket.

McDonald exploded in the first half, dropping 14 points and hitting a dagger 3, giving the Trojans all the momentum they needed to take the game. In the second half, Northeast Lauderdale began pulling away and went into the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead, but Kosciusko’s Jeremy Whitcomb hit back-to-back 3s to give his team another chance to steal the game.

The game became intense during the finals seconds, but the Trojans held their composure to come away with the five-point victory.

Xavier Jimerson had a great game running Northeast Lauderdale’s offense from the point; he chipped in with 11 points.

“We played hard, but I think we can play better,” Northeast Lauderdale basketball coach Lewis Lightsey said. “I give credit to Kosciusko because they came out and jumped on us early defensively, but Amari hit some key 3s for us heading into the half, and that opened up our inside game.”

On a night where family and friends come to celebrate the seniors, the Trojans were determined to cap it off with a win. Lightsey says his team was excited for the seniors, and getting a win on a night honoring them is something the players will never forget.

Keonte Williams led Kosciusko with 16 points.

KOSCIUSKO GIRLS 62, NORTHEAST LAUDERDALE 34

The Kosciusko’s girls’ squad was too much for the Lady Trojans to handle.

The Lady Whippets took a commanding lead heading into halftime with some great shooting from D’Nyla Williams and Bravie Jamison, who combined for 20 first-half points.

The second half was more of the same as Williams continued her hot streak from beyond the arc, finishing with 20 points. Bravie Jamison chipped in with 16 points.

Trinity Anderson led the Lady Trojans with 10 points.

Northeast Lauderdale will be back in action as it travels to Choctaw Central Tuesday.