Cold shooting dooms DHS in area tourney

YORK – Demopolis High School fell victim to cold shooting in a 42-39 area tournament loss to Greenville Friday night, a defeat that brings the Tigers’ 2012-13 season to an end.

“I thought we had good practices this week and a good game plan,” said Demopolis head coach Rodney Jackson, “but shots that we usually make we didn’t make tonight. It’s like that sometimes in basketball.”

Jackson had mixed emotions following the contest, disappointed that the season is over, but pleased with his team’s overall effort that produced a 14-12 record. “This is the first winning season that Demopolis High has had since 2008,” he said, “so we’re moving in the right direction. But we’ve got to get these guys to the point that a first-round loss is not acceptable. It’s not acceptable to me.”

Both teams, which split their regular-season series, opened Friday night’s game with poor execution on the offensive end of the court. DHS finally managed a bucket almost two minutes into the contest, and struggled to a 9-6 first-quarter advantage. Greenville’s Tigers battled back to grab a 16-14 halftime lead, as the sluggish play continued in the second quarter.

In the third period, Demopolis rebounded to take a five-point lead, 27-22, but Greenville chipped away at that margin and took a 35-34 lead with 4:50 to play. Both teams once again went cold, and with a scant two minutes left, Demopolis was able to pull even with Greenville at 36 apiece. DHS’ next two trips down the court failed to produce points, however, and Greenville managed a bucket with 38 seconds to play to go up 38-36. Demopolis got no closer than 40-39 with 27 ticks left on the clock, before two Greenville free throws with seven seconds remaining left just enough time for an unsuccessful DHS desperation three-point shot.

Demopolis’ lone senior, Tommy Wilson, led the Tigers with 13 points. “Tommy gave me everything I wanted from him this year,” said Jackson. “I’m excited that we’ve got nine of 10 players coming back next year, but we will miss Tommy.”

Marlon Davidson led Greenville with 13 points.

“Greenville has some good shooters,” said Jackson. “My hat’s off to them.”