Lady Tigers’ season ends in area tourney

YORK — Demopolis (17-7) saw its run in the Class 5A, Area 6 Tournament cut short Thursday with a 34-30 loss to No. 2 seed Selma.

The Lady Tigers took an early 6-2 lead before before Selma embarked on a 13-1. Demopolis would never regain the lead on the night.

Demopolis got to within two in the game’s closing seconds when Ivery Moore drained a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to 32-30.

Demopolis’ last opportunity came with 11.5 to go when it missed a pair of free throw opportunities that left the score at 33-30.

“What we were trying to do in the scheme of things, I think we played pretty well offensively,” Demopolis head coach Tony Pittman said. “Nine of 25 from the free throw line. You can’t go to the free throw line and not come away with something. Along with free throws, I think they got more 50-50 balls than we did.”

Selma added another charity stripe shot with 8.6 to go to seal the win.

“Hats off to Selma, they’re moving on and we’re not,” Pittman said.”

Jonniece Collins led Demopolis with nine points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Shartisha Tripp scored eight points, seven of which came in the game’s opening quarter.

Alexis Jones tied for the team lead with eight rebounds.

Pittman credited his young players for maturing quickly and his older players for helping in the process, a combination that produced what he considers a successful season.

“Sha’Deitra White, Ivery Moore and Caleb Washington grew up. Very proud of them. Even taking this loss, it is going to help them,” Pittman said. “Three seniors and eight players who never played varsity basketball and finish 17-7. I’m very pleased.”

The game also marked the final contest for the senior trio of Jones, Collins and Martina Smith.

“To step in as seniors and try to lead and teach these young girls how to play the game, I’m very proud of them,” Pittman said. “It speaks volumes about their leadership ability.”