McAdams girls basketball defeated county rival Ethel twice three days apart, but the second win was more difficult, and more important with a spot in the 1A playoffs on the line.
After defeating Ethel 49-38 to conclude the regular season, the Lady Bulldogs needed a big fourth quarter for a 42-35 victory to open the Region 6-1A tournament at Leake County Monday. The game was tied 25-25 after three quarters before the McAdams outscored Ethel 17-10 in the final period for the victory.
“I told them it was now or never,” said coach Ashley Brown.
Ameri Gadson sparked the rally with half of her team-high 16 points during the fourth quarters. Foul trouble plagued McAdams for much of the game, with the Lady Bulldogs whistled 20 times.
McAdams played top seed Sebastopol in the semifinals Tuesday. Championship and consolation games are scheduled for Friday.
McAdams closed out the regular season last week with a 52-33 victory over French Camp prior to the 49-38 win over Ethel. The Lady Bulldogs broke open the French Camp game with a 23-point second quarter for a 32-12 halftime lead.
Kenady Cross scored 15 points, Gadson had 11, Da'keria Fleming and Bryia Harmon eight each. Eden Box had a game high 20 points for French Camp,
McAdams led Ethel 27-11 at the half in the regular season game and breezed to the victory. Cross scored 19 points and Samaria Evans had 12. Katy Jo Newman led Ethel with 16 points.
The playoffs begin Monday. The top four teams from 6-1A — Sebastopol, Noxapater, Leake County and McAdams — will play teams from 8-1A. The two that meet in the championship game will be at home.
