McAdams made it nine straight victories with a 57-25 win over Ethel in the Region 5-1A semifinals Tuesday.
The Bulldogs will play Nanih Waiya in the championship game Friday. Ethel will play West Lowndes in Thursday’s consolation game.
“The kids stepped up defensively,” said McAdams coach Kenyon Ross. “Defense wins championships.”
McAdams broke the game open with a 17-0 first half run that turned a 12-10 lead late in the first quarter into a 29-10 advantage midway through the second period.
McAdams played without one of its leading players. Kandarius McBeath was on crutches, the result of a knee injury suffered in practice Monday. Ross said he will be evaluated Wednesday, but he doesn’t expect him back Friday.
Cameron Fleming led McAdams with 17 points. Jalena Greer had 10 points, Jaylan Pertert and Tyrick Davis nine each.
Saccario Merritt scored 11 points for Ethel.
A brief scuffle involving players from both teams broke out with 6:01 left in the game. The two coaches - Ross and Mitchell McCurry - and Attala County deputies intervened and order was quickly restored, with the players sent to their benches.
The game was delayed for several minutes while the coaches met with their teams.
When the game resumed, Tyrick Davis of McAdams held the ball near mid court for the remaining time. With the outcome no longer in doubt - McAdams enjoyed a 32-point lead - Ethel’s players stood near the basket and did not attempt to contest the situation.
Nanih Waiya upset top seed West Lowndes 67-66 Monday, which didn’t surprise Ross. He said Nanih Waiya is the region’s strongest team on paper.
