An early Southside lead wilted against Ramsay’s stifling combination of a half-court press and trap in a 60-19 loss in the Class 4A Central Tournament on Thursday.

“We wanted to give them different looks,” said Ramsay coach Robert Mosley. “We wanted to keep constant pressure on them in all phases. We wanted to pressure them early; we wanted to pressure them mid-court and we trapped right across the half-court line.”

Southside got the start it wanted. Regina Bartholomew and Shaniqua Williams sandwiched around a Takari Nelson 3-pointer quickly made it 7-1. But, Williams’ layup would the Panthers’ last field goal for the next 17 minutes and 18 seconds.

The Rams turned up the pressure, leading to 20 first half turnovers and a combined 30-2 run to take a 31-9 lead at the break.

Ramsay forced seven first-quarter turnovers and used a 16-0 run to finish the quarter with a 19-9 lead. The Rams maintained their half-court trap and press to hold Southside to a scoreless second quarter and add another 12 points to their own tally.

“They started pressing us and we were not able to break the press,” said Southside assistant April O’Neal. “We were dribbling instead of passing through the press. I think it was more mental. They know what to, they just didn’t get it done today.”

By game’s end, Ramsay held a 16-3 advantage on steals, but pressure was not the only category in which the Rams held the advantage. They out-rebounded Southside 26-14, often limiting the Panthers to one shot.

Destiny Samuels led Ramsay with 17 points and Morgan Loggins added 15.

Jeanea Thomas led the Panthers with eight points.