A young, scrappy Demopolis (3-0) team shocked the Class 5A No. 3 ranked Selma Lady Saints (11-3) Friday night in an early area contest.

Kiera Carter sank a 3-pointer just outside the arc as time expired to give Demopolis a 43-42 win.

“We did not play Selma basketball tonight,” said a disgruntled Anthony Harris, Selma’s coach. “We didn’t respond defensively or offensively.”

The Lady Saints held a five-point lead, the largest of the game by either team, with two minutes to play, but a free throw and an offensive putback by Aleshia Arnold got the Lady Tigers within two with 56 seconds to go.

Demopolis turned the ball over on its next possession, giving the Lady Saints control again with 21 seconds showing on the clock. Selma spoiled its opportunity for a win when it was forced into a trap along the baseline.

Carter intercepted the ball and drove it across the time line to get her successful shot off to keep the Lady Tigers undefeated for the season.

“We’re a scrappy bunch,” said Demopolis coach Tony Pittman. “We’re young and undersized. This was a big win for our program. Our kids played hard, went after loose balls and just kept playing with their heads up.”

Demopolis took advantage of a poor shooting game for both sides with its intimidating defense.

The Tigers opened the first eight minutes of play with a 14-11 advantage, but a four-minute scoring drought late in the second quarter allowed Selma to take a 24-20 lead at the half.

The third quarter saw three ties and two lead changes with the Lady Saints getting the upper hand 37-35.

Shay Smith sank two free throws on a one-and-one opportunity to tie the game, but Selma followed with five unanswered points with two minutes to play.

Selma’s Ashley grimes led all scorers with 14 points. Kamesha Strong added 11.

Carter and Arnold netted 10 points each for Demopolis. Smith contributed eight points.