photo by Marcus Frazier

Natchez High’s James Reed(31) goes up for a shot in the midst of Franklin County defenders Thursday evening during the Miss-Lou Hoops Fest.

Natchez gets win over depleted Bulldogs

By Matt Burrowes | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, November 16, 2007

NATCHEZ — The Natchez High Bulldogs used a 19 point second quarter to defeat Franklin County 51-28 in the Miss-Lou Hoops Fest.

“The effort wasn’t really there tonight,” Franklin County head coach Chris Jordan said. “We’re missing six to seven players right now due to football.”

Franklin County’s zone defense played right into Natchez’s game play, Natchez assistant coach David Haywood said.

“We don’t have a lot of size,” Haywood said. “So we have to use our speed to create shots.”

Led by Dwon Hughes, Natchez had five 3-pointers in the first half.

Natchez used a mixed of full court and half court pressure defenses to keep Franklin County off balance the entire game.

“You will see us do that all season,” Haywood said. “It’s another way for us to use our speed and create turnovers to get some shots.”

Jeremy Watkins led Natchez with 13 points followed by Hughes’ 11.

“Franklin County did a good job considering they didn’t have a full team,” Haywood said. “Once they get some key players back they will be tough to beat.”

Jason Hunt and Taylor Washington led Franklin County with nine points each.

Willkinson County boys 48, Ferriday 44

Wilkinson County overcame a huge halftime deficit to stun the Ferriday Trojans in the Miss-Lou Hoops Fest.

Ferriday held a 30-14 lead at the break but the Wildcats poured in on in the second half, outscoring the Trojans 35-12 to take the surprising win.

Cory Anthony led the Wildcats with 20 points while Megal Covington scored 13 for Wilkinson.

Ferriday was led by Alrion McKeel with 17 points. Demarco Lewis had 11 points while Josh Upchurch chipped in seven in the losing effort.

Ferriday girls 43, Wilkinson County 34

Ferriday outscored Wilkinson County by eight points in the third quarter, which gave the Lady Trojans all the cushion they would need in an nine-point victory over the Lady Wildcats.

The game was tied at 18 at halftime but Ferriday outscored Willkinson County 25-16 in the second half to pull away for the win.

Jasmine Upchurch led Feriday with 17 points while Jalessia Davis and Jasmine Butler both had 12 for the Lady Trojans.

Tyeshia Lee was the only player in double-figures for Wilkinson, scoring 12 points.

Natchez girls 44, Franklin County 36

Natchez broke open a close game with a big third quarter, turning a one-point game at the half into a second half victory.

Natchez outscored Franklin County 19-7 in the third quarter to take a 13-point lead after three. Franklin County tried to come back in the fourth, but it was too little, too late.

Keosha Bradley led Natchez with 15 points while Alia Frank was right behind with 14.

Franklin County was led by CeeCee Davis with 12 points. Charlesia Houston and Monea Cameron both had eight points in the losing effort.

The Miss-Lou Hoops Fest will conclude Saturday, beginning at 3 p.m.