Selma overcame a sluggish start to knock off county rival Southside 69-44 on Saturday.

The Saints stumbled out of the gate — largely due to playing only two games in the last two weeks. Selma coach Anthony Harris also attributed the slow start to the Panthers’ (15-6) defensive strategy — namely boxing Keisha Moore.

“We shut down (Moore) for a quarter,” said Southside coach Wanda Tyler. “She got frustrated, and Coach (Harris) had to take her out of the game.”

Despite the frustrations, the Saints took a 21-10 lead into the second period, and they were just heating up. Selma opened the second period with a 10-run highlighted by a Moore 3-pointer and Jonishia Jackson 3-point play. With the run, the Saints took a 31-10 lead and weren’t threatened the rest of the way.

“We got in our game plan and caught on fire,” said Harris. “When we play as a team, we’re unstoppable.”

Leading 50-31 late in the third quarter, the Saints (21-4) put the game on ice with an 11-0 run triggered by a Kamesha Strong 3-pointer to push the lead to 59-31.

“Selma has outstanding talent,” said Tyler. “I was concerned with whether our kids play with heart and intensity. The score was not an issue to me.”

Grimes led the Saints with 22 points. Despite her early struggles, Moore added 19 and Strong finished with 11.

Shaniqua Williams led the Panthers with 19 points, and Jhamerria Moorer chipped in eight.