The McAdams girls basketball team pulled out a dramatic 55-50 double overtime victory over Ethel in a key 5-1A game to move into a second place tie in the region,
The Lady Bulldogs trailed by seven points with less than two minutes remaining in regulation time before a three-pointer by Kiara Brown in the final second forced overtime.
“I felt like we didn't play our best ball game. But I was very proud of my team for not quitting,” said coach Michael Huffman.
After both teams scored four points in the first overtime, leaving the game tied at 46, McAdams outscored Ethel 9-4 in the second extra period. Brown had four points in the second overtime, Makeria Griffin three and Ameri Gadson made two free throws for her only points of the game,
Brown finished with 29 points. Haley Perteet had 10.
“We can look back and say 'We've done it before; we can do it again,'” Huffman said.
In the team's other game last week, the Lady Bulldogs were defeated by West Lowndes 73-39. West Lowndes is playing at another level from the other teams in the region, and probably from anyone else in 1A. Prior to a game with Nanih Waiya Tuesday, the Lady Panthers were 17-0, with every win by double digits. Their region record is 7-0, with no game closer than 22 points. In an earlier game, West Lowndes defeated McAdams 68-42.
“We didn't play like we need to play. I think we're giving them too much credit,” Huffman said. “To beat that team you have to play great defense. We didn't Friday night.”
Brown had 11 points, Perteet 10 and Iyania Malone eight.
The win over Ethel left the two teams tied for second in the region, each 4-2. They will meet again Feb. 7 at Ethel in the final regular season game. That game might determine second place and an opening round bye when McAdams hosts the region tournament beginning Feb. 11.
BOYS
The Bulldogs were defeated by the region's top two teams, falling to first place Ethel 79-61 and second place West Lowndes 74-48.
The losses left McAdams in a tie with Nanih Waiya for fourth in the region, each 2-4, French Camp is third, a half game ahead at 3-4.
The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs played Noxapater Tuesday and have road games with Nanih Waiya Friday. Prior to the matchup with Ethel, McAdams boys and girls host Nanih Waiya next Tuesday for Senior Night.
