Lady Bulldogs Win Big Leading Into Tuesday Matchup

CROCKETT – The Crockett Lady Bulldogs pushed their current winning streak to five-games as they cruised to a 54-27 win over the Anderson-Shiro Lady Owls, kicking off the second half of district play. Senior Kiarah Riley added another stellar start for the Lady Bulldogs, who overcame a sluggish first quarter to burn past the Lady Owls.

The Lady Bulldogs got off to a sluggish start offensively, but would make up for it with a solid defensive effort. Crockett would hold Anderson-Shiro to just eight points in the first quarter as the Lady Bulldogs would stake a 12-8 lead after a quarter of play.

Crockett would open things up in the second quarter behind the play of Riley and Azha Alfred. The senior duo would jumpstart the Lady Bulldogs offense, helping spur them to 18 points in the second quarter, and help them open a 30-16 halftime lead.

In the third quarter it was the Lady Bulldogs defense stealing the spotlight. The Lady Bulldogs held Anderson-Shiro to just four points in the quarter, helping extend their lead to 20 points by the end of the third quarter.

With a 40-20 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Lady Bulldogs cruised to the finish. Still playing solid defense, the Lady Bulldogs would stall on the offensive end to run down the clock. Eventually the scoreboard would strike 0:00 with the Lady Bulldogs clinching a 54-27 victory.

Riley finished the night with a game high 23 points, falling four points short of the Lady Owls team total. Riley also added 15 rebounds and seven steals to narrowly miss the triple-double, while picking up five blocks defensively. Alfred added 15 points offensively to go along with two rebounds, two steals, and two assists.

Shanell Parker was the only other Lady Bulldog player to score over five points in the contest, as the senior just missed out on the double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds. Parker also picked up five steals, three assists, and three blocks. Guard Brittany Ross also had a solid night finishing the game with four points, two rebounds, four steals, and a team high five assists.

Tiara Johnson was a defensive wiz for the Lady Bulldogs, finishing the night with a game-high six steals. Johnson also scored two points and hauled in a pair of rebounds. Treneshia Purvis added two points and three steals while Latisha Collins would chip in one point, four rebounds, and three steals.

Now with a 6-1 record, the Lady Bulldogs turn their sights on the Centerville Lady Tigers (currently ranked #11 in class 2A), who have handed the Lady Bulldogs their only loss of district play. The two teams faced off on Tuesday night in Centerville, as the Lady Bulldogs were out to avenge a 52-42 home loss.

The Lady Bulldogs will return home on Friday, January 27 to host the Trinity Lady Tigers. Crockett cruised past the Lady Tigers in their first meeting this year, and will be looking for their fourth straight win over Trinity since dropping down to class 2A.

Crockett will return to the road on Tuesday, January 31 to face the Onalaska Lady ‘Cats. The Lady Bulldogs walloped the Lady ‘Cats in a 64-8 win earlier this month.

For a complete recap of the Lady Bulldogs showdown against Centerville, as well as other area basketball news, check back in The Messenger. Also follow The Messenger on Facebook and check out our website at www.messenger-news.com. Chris Boothe can be reached at cboothe@messenger-news.com.