The first round of the Selma Invitational was held on Thursday night at Selma High School. Southside took on Lee in the first game of the night, and Selma High took on the Sidney Lanier Poets in the second game.

In the first game Southside played from behind for most of the game, but managed to keep it close throughout. With 2:34 left in the fourth period the Panther’s managed to climb within 2 points of the General’s. The General’s never regained anything more than a three point lead for the remainder of the game.

With :25 left in the game Southside tied the ball game, and drew the foul, but were unable to take the lead after the free throw missed.

The Generals took the clock down to :10 before they attempted a shot that fell short. Rod Ware grabbed the offensive board and heaved a desperation shot that went in, and the Generals took the win 63-60.

Selma High took on Sidney Lanier in the second game, and the Saints led by as much as 15 points at times. The Saint’s were dominant throughout the ball game with outstanding efforts from all starters.

“We are always happy to win,” said Selma High head coach Willie Maxey. “With the short amount of time that we had to prepare I was very happy with our outside shooting.”

At the end of the first half the Saints had a seven point lead, and the General’s would get no closer than that for the remainder of the game. By the end of the third period the Saints had widened the lead to 11 points, and they absolutely dominated the fourth period of the game. The Saints held onto the big lead, and took the game 85-76.

After the Saints took they early lead they never looked back. Leading the way for the Saints was Miguel Harris with 25 points. Jai Miller had 16 points and led the way in rebounds with 11. Robert Allen had 24 points for the Saints, Jarvis Williams had seven 7.

The Selma Invitational will pick up play again on Saturday night at Selma High School. The Saint’s will also take on the Keith High Bears Friday night at Selma High School.