The Natchez High Hoops Classic championship had already been settled, but Natchez High’s boys and Ferriday’s girls made sure they walked away with some kind of hardware as the Bulldogs defeated Ferriday 61-54 and the Lady Trojans upended the Lady Bulldogs 62-43 to earn runner-up trophies.

&uot;We got our spirits back up after losing to Vidalia,&uot;&160;said Natchez guard Edwin Harris. &uot;It was important that we come back and play hard. We just have to continue playing hard and stay solid for four quarters.&uot;

Natchez’s boys and Ferriday’s girls finshed 2-1 in the tournament, losing to tournament champions Vidalia boys and Jefferson County girls.

&uot;I was very pleased,&uot; said Ferriday coach Lisa Abron of her team bouncing back from a first-round loss to Jefferson County. &uot;Having the early game (Friday) gave us a chance to rest. Our defense was excellent.&uot;

Natchez bounced back from a first-round loss to Vidalia, defeating Jefferson County Friday.

The Bulldogs and Trojans were tied 13-13 after one period of play, but David Haywood, who was named the tournament’s best offensive player, scored nine points in the second period to put Natchez up 29-25 at halftime.

Natchez led 44-41 after three periods of play.

Natchez extended its lead to 49-41 early in the final period before Jason Scott, who picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter, scored two baskets to pull the Trojans to within 51-45 with 6:5 to play.

Natchez’s Vasshon Newborne, who was named to the all-tournament team, scored the final four baskets for the Bulldogs.

Haywood led Natchez with 24 points, while Newborne added 10.

Scott, who was named all-tourney, scored 22 points, while Derrick Williams added 10.

Ferriday’s girls jumped ahead of Natchez 18-5 in the first quarter and maintained that lead throughout most of the game.

LaShawnda Pryor led the Lady Trojans with 22 points. All-tourney performer Monique Jones added 20, while Tanisheka Taylor, named best offensive player, added 12.

Natchez was led by Angel Taylor with 17. Chrystal Sylvester was named to the tournament team for Natchez.

Senior Shaquita Smith of Jefferson County, who scored 44 points in the first game Thursday against Ferriday, was named best offensive player, while teammate Latoya Winston received the hustle award. Memorie Tenner of Jefferson County and Vidalia’s Brendy Ellis round out the tournament team.

&uot;I was hyped,&uot; Smith said of her 44-point game. &uot;I just wanted to help the team out. This was a good win for us.&uot;

Jefferson County, which advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals last year, won the tournament last year at 3-0.

&uot;I thought we did well considering we had some players sick,&uot; said Lady Tiger coach Flora McKnight. &uot;Our defense was the biggest thing. There were some good teams in this tournament, so hopefully this will help us get ready for district like it did last year.&uot;

Vidalia’s Jarvis Vaughn was named best defensive player for the boys, while teammate Andre Singleton received the hustle award.

Vidalia’s Ronald Ellis and Jefferson County’s Derrick Culbert were also named all-tournament.