The Minden Crimson Tiders hosted the Haughton Buccaneers Friday at The Palace in a non-district rivalry game.
The Tide came out on the winning side of the game 69-55, but despite the double-digit triumph, head coach Alan Shaw had a choice word for describing his team’s play.
“Soft was the key word for me,” Shaw said. “That’s really the key word for me was soft. Offensively, we really just kind of went through the motions. We didn’t have a lot of movement. It was not the type of effort I was hoping for going into district. In our district if there’s a night you don’t show up to play then you don’t win. I’m pleased to get the win. I’m certainly not pleased with the effort.”
Shaw did praise one area of the team.
“We had another good effort from our bench,” Shaw said. “They gave us a spark in some areas where we needed it.”
Kevin Hamilton played well once again, leading the Tide with 25 points. L’Jarius Sneed was in double figures with 10, as was Sakari Batton with 10.
In the Lady Tiders game, they defeated the Lady Bucs 53-50.
The Lady Tiders missed some early opportunities in the game, but still managed to duel to a 27-27 tie at halftime. It was late in the fourth quarter when Minden made their move.
Down 47-45 with four minutes to play Minden went on a 6-0 run to take a 51-47 lead. The Lady Tiders missed some chances to put the game to bed at the free throw line, but with 18 seconds to play Marlena Hill made two free throws to make it 53-50. Delorea McClendon blocked a last second shot to seal the win for Minden.
“It was a good feeling to see these ladies pull out a hard-fought win,” Lady Tider head coach Jacob Brown said. “We needed a game like this at this point in our season. We’re moving into district, so this will not be the last time we’re in a game like this.”
Tiaga Pugh led the Lady Tiders with 13 points, followed by Sha’terra Batton and Delorea McClendon with 11 points. Marlena Hill added 9 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Senior Ashley Shine came in and played spectacular defense and rebounded well to help propel the Lady Tiders to the win.