Selma rides early lead to win

Published 12:34 am Sunday, December 21, 2008

Selma used two first half runs to put away Wilcox Central in a 64-31 rout on Saturday.

But despite the lopsided win for the No. 3 Saints, the game was disappointing to Selma coach Anthony Harris.

“We played a little sluggish,” said Harris. “The kids got complacent.”

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Selma opened the contest with a 15-0 run caused by Jaguar turnovers and poor shooting. The Jaguars couldn’t find the basket for most of the first half, and the Saints took advantage.

“We played well on the press against them early,” said Harris. “Any time we press, we get loose and get some easy baskets.”

The Jaguars finally got on the board with a Sheremy Johnson jump shot at the 1:49 mark of the first quarter to cut the deficit to 15-2. Almost seven minutes passed before they scored again.

Selma opened the second quarter with another 15-0 run to triggered by the Saints’ bread and butter — transition baskets forced by the press — to push the lead to 30-3. They led 32-7 at the half.

The Jaguars outscored the Saints 13-11 in the third quarter. But the Saints opened the fourth with a 13-4 run to create extra breathing room.

Ashley Grimes led the Saints with 20 points and nine rebounds. Kamesha Strong contributed 16 points and five rebounds.

Johnson led the Jaguars with 10 points.