The Selma Times-Journal

Senior Erica Lumpkin recorded a double-double, scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds as the No. 9 Selma High Lady Saints (24-6, Area 4-2) beat the No. 6 Carver High Lady Wolverines (26-4, Area 5-1) 70-61 for the area championship Monday night.

Lumpkin put on a clinic scoring 21 first half points with 5:15 left in the half. Carver’s DeAngela Sword’s (12 points) layup made the score 24-17.

Lumpkin hit a three and Ashley Grimes (13 points, 9 rebounds) double clutch layup brought Selma within two, 24-22. With 3:01 left Selma tied the game at 29, but couldn’t take the lead and Carver led at the half 37-35.

Freshman Christy Harris stepped up scoring a go ahead layup followed by Keisha Moore’s (9 points) gliding layup. Carver’s Brittnay Carter (19 points) answered with back to back baskets. Lumpkin responded with a 360 layup that brought the fans to their feet and Selma led 57-51. Gabrielle Goudy (4 points) came up with a layup and Selma went to its pressing defense.

The Lady Saints went up by 11, 67-56, but Carver fought back and came within five, 61-56. Selma’s Richelle Jones’ (4 points) layup took the air out of Carver and they never recovered.

“I told my team at halftime they won the first half, the second is ours. You got to want it,” Coach Anthony Harris said.

The Lady Saints will host Lanier High School Thursday at 7 p.m.