Demopolis jumps up early in win over Selma

Demopolis snapped a four-game losing streak Tuesday night, building a sizeable lead early and holding on for a 64-52 win over Selma.

Demopolis (10-8) connected on four shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter to build a 22-7 lead. While Selma would win each of the next two quarters and cut the Tiger advantage down to five, Demopolis finished strong with a 20-point fourth quarter to ice the win.

“Composure. I tell them all the time we have to stay fundamental, stay within what we do and that’s slow the ball down, go halfcourt, get the guards going early so we can get the big men involved,” Demopolis coach Ashley Allen said of the primary factor in his team’s victory.

The Tigers’ leading scorer Josh Moore, who sat much of the night, posted nine points and five rebounds, calling for major contributions from many of his teammates.

“It’s great for us. He’s kind of hobbling around a little bit, so I didn’t want to play him as much anyway. I wanted him to try to establish something early and we could go ahead and pull him out,” Allen said. “Our big men are stepping up. I pulled up another guy named Keshawn Johnson. He’s going to help us out a little bit and Nelson Haskin is going to get rebounds and put-backs.”

Xavier Jowers led Demopolis with 17 points and five rebounds. Antoine Collier had 15 points including nine from the free throw line.

“We have to hit our free throws. If we don’t hit our free throws, we’re in trouble” Allen said. “That’s what got us in trouble in area play, slacking on our free throws.”

Haskin grabbed eight boards to lead all rebounders. Shakari Williams had eight points and five assists.

Quentravious White had 20 points to lead Selma while Quentavious Davis and Kevin White each had eight points. Marshall Woods had seven points for the Saints.

Demopolis is set to play at Greene County Wednesday night before traveling to Linden Friday.