McAdams' 13-game boys basketball winning streak came to an end with a 65-59 loss to Leake County that left the two teams tied atop the 6-1A standings, each 5-1. In an earlier,meeting, the Bulldogs defeated the Gators 71-48.
The game was close until Leake County pulled away in the final two minutes. Leake County led 19-17 after one quarter, 32-28 at the half and 43-40 entering the final period.
McAdams coach Kenyon Ross attributed the loss to turnovers. “Self inflicted wounds.” McAdams committed 25 turnovers, resulting in 20 points for Leake County.
Tyrick Davis, Cameron Fleming and Jacquese Greer each scored 13 points for McAdams. Fleming had eight rebounds, four assists and three steals, Greer six rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Jacobe Hopkins scored 15 points and Dedrick Sanders 14 for the Gators.
It was a hostile environment at Leake County. “I learned a lot about my kids through adversity,” Ross said.
Leake County will also host the region tournament the week of February 6-10. Prior to that, McAdams has four region games that began Tuesday with Noxapater. The Bulldogs will host Sebastopol Friday, have a road game with French Camp January 31 and will be at home against Ethel February 3 to close out the regular season.
McAdams and Leake County could meet for a third time in the region tournament and possibly a fourth time in the MHSAA 1A South State.
McAdams had its highest point total in eight years in a 96-56 victory over Attala County rival Ethel last week. “Anytime it's a rivalry game the kids are gong to come out fighting,” Ross said. “We got them into a running game and they ran with us.”
Davis had 32 points, including seven 3-pointers. Fleming had 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Greer nine points, 10 assists, six steals and five rebounds.
It was the most points for McAdams since a 109-64 victory over French Camp January 30, 2015.
Girls
The Lay Bulldogs defeated Ethel 43-21 and lost to Leake Central 53-47 to even their region record at 3-3.
McAdams led Ethel, 12-5 after one quarter and 29-13 at the half, and held the Lady Tigers to eight points in the second half.
Kenady Cross had a game high 18 points for McAdams. Ameri Gadson scored 10 points and Da'keria Fleming nine.
McAdams led Leake County 11-10 after one quarter, but encountered early foul. The Lady Bulldogs were whistled for 16 first half fouls to only five for Leake County.
Gadson had 15 points and Cross 14. Taylor Vaughn scored 24 points for Leake County.
“I like where we're going,” McAdams coach Ashley Brown said about the team's progress. “If they can block out the officials and play basketball, I think they will do a lot better.”
