From the tip off on, it was pedal to the metal for Ferriday, as the Trojans cruised to a 95-54 victory over Lake Providence.

Ferriday opened up the first quarter with full court pressure, which proved to be almost unstoppable for the Panthers. The Trojans defense caused multiple turnovers and offensive frustration for the Panthers as Lake Providence was held to just six points in the first.

To back up their defense, the Trojans capitalized on early turnovers and built an 18-4 lead before eventually closing out the quarter with a commanding 32-6 lead.

“The key to the game for us was the big lead,” Ferriday head coach James Davis. “Our starting five of Alrion McKeel, Matthew Smith, Montrell Tennessee, Terrell Gorham and Levier Pryor did a good job of getting us a big lead early.”

Pryor, McKeel and Tennessee combined to score 20 of the Trojans first quarter points.

Davis said Joshua Upchurch added a spark by coming off the bench.

The Trojans continued to use full court pressure in the second quarter. After the Panthers picked up 10 team fouls in the first quarter and several players got into early foul trouble, the strength of Ferriday’s press only grew, along with their lead.

McKeel and Smith scored 11 of the Trojans 16 second quarter points to give Ferriday a 50-15 lead at the half.

“Full court pressure went well for us. We have not done it a lot recently, but (Lake Providence) did not do

a good job of handling it.”

In the second half, the Trojans backed away from their full court pressure and retreated to a half-court zone.

Fouls never ceased to be called in the third, and by the end of the quarter both teams were whistled for 10 team fouls apiece.

This only played more into the hands of the Trojans as they executed free throws effectively in the third quarter and through out the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Trojans extended their lead to 71-32.

“We have been working on free throws all week. It’s district time and we have got to concentrate on knocking our free throws down, and I thought we did a good job of that,” Davis said.

The Trojans never let up in the fourth quarter. Despite several players fouling out, the Trojans remained consistent on offense as they picked up their first district win of the season, winning 95-54 at home.

Davis said the win gives his team a boost of confidence as they prepare to face Madison, last year’s district champions, on the road.

“We needed this win to stay alive in district,” he said.

With the win the Trojans improved to 1-1 in district play, and are 12-10 overall.