By Laurence Hilliard
McAdams boys and girls basketball teams began play in the Region 5-1A tournament semifinals Tuesday, with both assured of qualifying for the 1A playoffs.
The Bulldogs played country-rival Ethel and the Lady Bulldogs played Leake County. Championship and consolation games are Friday. McAdams is the tournament host.
The Lady Bulldogs earned the region’s top seed by closing out the regular season with one-sided victories over Leake County 44-27 and Ethel 50-30.
Aniyshia Gladney had the hot hand against Ethel, connecting on 7 of 13 shots from the floor and all four from the charity stripe for 19 points, along with 17 rebounds. Ra’Kesha Greer had 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Coach Kenyon Ross pointed out that they had plenty of help from their teammates. “They got a lot of opportunities. But I always say it’s a collective game.”
McAdams lost its first region game of the season to Nanih Waiya, then won the next nine.
Boys
The Bulldogs are the second seed after a 54-41 loss to Leake County and a 49-45 victory over Ethel. McAdams lost twice to top-seed Leake County, but won the other eight region games.
The Bulldogs were held to 15 first-half points against Leake County, trailing 28-15 at the break. Darrin Femin had 14 points and eight rebounds and Lucas Hornesbuger made three of five 3-point shots and scored 10 points.
McAdams led Ethel 42-29 through three quarters before being outscored 16-7 in the final period. Hornesbuger had 12 points, Fleming and Frederick Wilder 11 each. Gavin Brown scored seven and grabbed 11 rebounds.
