Minden High vs. Benton
BOSSIER CITY – Minden High traveled to Bossier City to take on the Benton Tigers in a consolation game of the Jack Clayton Invitational tournament.
The Tide came out on fire, racing out to an early lead and keeping it on their way to a 70-62 win.
“I thought we came out and played pretty well for the first three and a half quarters,” Tide coach Alan Shaw said. “We were a little better tonight defensively and we were able to push the ball up and down the court and get some easy baskets.”
The game was never close until the final few minutes where Minden took their foot off the gas.
“We had a double digit lead most of the night,” Shaw said. “I thought the final three minutes was sloppy. Rather than kick that lead up and continue doing what we do, we let them get back into the game.”
Minden was able to hold on for what was still a comfortable win, and now advance to take on Parkway in a rematch of Wednesday’s high-scoring affair.
Kevin Hamilton led the Crimson Tide with 26 points. L’Jarius Sneed finished with 12 points of his own for Minden and Anfernee Red added 13 points.
Lady Tiders vs. Lady Bearcats
The Minden Lady Tiders took on Ruston in their opening game, falling by a score of 43-40.
The Lady Tiders had a 3-point lead going into the fourth quarter but missed a few opportunities both in the lane and at the free throw line.
“Second chance opportunities hurt us tonight,” Lady Tider coach Jacob Brown said. “It just seemed like we couldn’t secure a rebound or get a good grip on the ball when we really needed it. We missed some free throws and layups down the stretch as well. We actually shot 41 percent from the field.”
It’s statistics like those that lead Brown to think his team is starting to figure it out.
“I really see this team growing and gelling,” Brown said. “Sometimes you go through rough phases but you got to keep pushing and pushing.”
Sha’Terra Batton led the way with 16 points for Minden, while Tiaga Pugh added 10 points and 12 boards for a double-double.
Next action for the Lady Tiders will be Friday at 4 p.m. at BPCC.
Lady Warriors vs. Lady Bucs
The Lakeside Lady Warriors lost a tough matchup to the Haughton Lady Bucs, 73-14.
“Haughton is a very good, well-coached and mature team,” head coach Tavasha Anderson said. “They played just as such. We didn’t get going offensively because of their full court press.
Lakeside will be back in action Friday at 4 p.m. at Haughton.