A strong overall performance netted the McAdams boys basketball team a 52-42 victory over Yazoo County. The Bulldogs trailed 16-15 after one quarter but outscored the Panthers in each of the final three periods.
“Defensively we had a good showing,” said Coach Kenyon Ross. “Anytime we can hold a team under 50 points, I think we have a chance to win.”
The defense held Yazoo County to 28.6 shooting percentage from the floor, 14 of 37.
“We did have some lapses. We’d get the lead and get relaxed and let them back in the ball game,” said Ross. “We have to fight to get the lead back up. But we’re learning. We have a chance to play a few more kids. That’s going to help us once we get into our district.”
The Bulldogs will begin Region 6-1A play January 4 with a game at Leake County.
McAdams had a statical edge against Yazoo County in every area, including 44-39 in rebounds, which contributed to 17-10 edge in second chance points and a 17-9 in points in the paint.
Kendarrius McBeath led the Bulldogs with 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. Cameren Fleming had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Tyrick Davis 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Bulldogs have struggled from the line much of the season, but made 7 of 11. “We did a little better on free throws. That’s still a work in progress,” Ross said. “We’re still leaving a lot of points out there by missing free throws and layups. Hopefully, we can get all that taken care of when we get to district play.”
After playing a nonconference schedule against strong opposition from larger schools, Ross expects to be battle tested entering region play, just as a year ago when the Bulldogs won Region 5-1A and reached the state semifinals.
Leake County will be a strong test with a 12-2 record.
GIRLS
The Lady Bulldogs were defeated by Yazoo County 54-38. McAdams kept it close for a half, trailing 26-23 at the break, but was outscored 28-15 in the second half.
“They had two big girls (5-11 Shakeria Robinson and 5-9 Alycia McCree) who dominated the boards,” said coach Ashley Brown. “We’re just not good at finishing right now. Once we can play a full game the way we want to play, we will start beating teams.”
McAdams had balanced scoring with nine points by Samaria Evans and eight each by Armeri Gadson, Shatikka Greer and Kenady Cross. Khalee Harrison scored 16 points, 10 in the second half, for Yazoo County, which improved to 11-4.
