SIBLEY – Minden High School and Lakeside High School renewed their rivalry Tuesday night on the court with a pair of games at Lakeside.
The boys game started off with the Crimson Tide taking a big lead, only to see the Warriors storm back on their home court and make it a ballgame.
The Warriors comeback bid fell just short though, as the Tide hung on for a 71-65 road win.
“Tonight we played well in spurts,” Minden High head coach Alan Shaw said. “It was an up and down game throughout. We came out on fire and took the early lead, then in the late second quarter and early third, we played poorly and they got back in it. It was a typical Minden versus Lakeside game. No lead is ever comfortable.”
Minden had a 20-9 lead after one quarter, and a 36-26 lead at the half. In the second half, Lakeside turned up the pressure on defense with a full-court press to get back in the game.
“We hung around and stayed in this game after a slow start,” Lakeside head coach Jason Gould said. “Give Minden a lot of credit for doing what they had to do to win. They hit some huge shots, but I’m proud of our guys’ effort tonight. They stepped up their game tonight against a tough team.”
Minden got a big lift from Kevin Hamilton who finished with 34 points and made 8 3-pointers.
Lakeside was led in scoring by Davian Whiting with 14, Frankie Miles finished with 12 and Quatarus Solomon and Jalen Gould added 9.
In the girls game, the Minden Lady Tiders were in control from the start, cruising to a 63-30 win over the Lady Warriors.
“We got out to a great start,” Lady Tider head coach Jacob Brown said. “Defense and rebounding allowed us to take a big lead. Offensively, I thought we passed the ball well tonight and did a good job of getting high percentage shots.”
For Lakeside, it was simply a case of being outmatched.
“Coach Brown does a great job of preparing his girls every year,” Lady Warrior head coach Tavasha Anderson said. “They play well in his system. Our girls competed hard until the end.”
Brown said that this is the type of performance he expects to see the rest of the season from his team with district play right around the corner.
“I’m pleased with the effort tonight,” Brown said. “It’s time for us to start playing our best basketball. There’s only one more non-district game remaining. I look for our girls to bring high intensity the rest of the season to achieve the goal we set before the season of winning district.”
Delorea McClendon led Minden with 15 points, followed by Sha’Terra Batton with 14 and Tiaga Pugh with 13.
Destinee Joiner led Lakeside with 9 points, followed by Cayla McKinsey with 6 and Jasmine Lewis with 6.