Monday, November 11, 2008

Laurel sweeps Picayune

Submitted by Kristi Mitchell/Tom Taylor

Laurel 58  Maroon Tide 56

The Maroon Tide traveled to Laurel Monday night in hopes of giving 1st year Head Coach Tom Taylor his first win at Picayune.

The game started with Laurel jumping out early to a 16-4 advantage, but the Tide went on a 6-0 run sparked by Courtney Nixon

to make it 16-10 at the end of the 1 st quarter.

In the second quarter, behind a tough defense, the Tide came to life and outscored Laurel 22-7 to lead at half 32-23.

“We came out in the second and really started to guard; we pushed the ball and played the way we have been practicing,” said

Coach Taylor.

The Maroon Tide, who only had 9 players dressing out, played even with Laurel in the third quarter, but fatigue quickly became

a factor. Laurel outscored the Tide in the fourth quarter 22-10. The Tide had an opportunity at the end, but the Lloyd Hall's

inbounds pass was picked off and a free throw by Laurel sealed the deal. The final score was 58-56.

Coach Taylor was pleased with the effort his team displayed. “Size and depth really took care of our opportunity tonight; I think

we still should have won, but the boys played hard and that's what counts right now.”

Nixon led all scorers with 17, Vincent Gable added 15, Derionne Stewart, and J.T. Biggs both had 8.

Laurel 63 Lady Tide 50

Arianna McGill who played an excellent defensive game as well as leading the Lady Tide with 12 points. Karly Moran and

Monique Brown each had 11 as Janaea Wills scored 7, Melody McGill had 5 and Hillary Dickens with 4.

Picayune will tackle yet another tough opponent on the road Thursday as they travel to Oak Grove for JV Girls, Varsity Girls,

and Varsity Boys