Lady Tigers turn game over to Sumter

Turnovers and miscues plagued Demopolis Friday night as the Lady Tigers lost only their second game of the season with a 45-36 area defeat at the hands of Sumter Central

The Lady Tigers (10-2, 0-1) led by as many as 12 points in the contest while dictating the tempo in the game’s early going. However, the Lady Jaguars ended the first half on a 9-0 run to send the game to a 25-25 intermission tie.

The teams slugged their way through a third quarter that saw a total of seven points before Sumter stretched its lead to 40-34 with only 2:38 to go in the contest.

The closest Demopolis could get down the stretch was 43-36 when Shartisha Tripp knocked down a two with 49.2 seconds left.

Demopolis coach Tony Pittman pointed to the SCHS defensive shift as keying a number of the issues that resulted in 33 Lady Tiger turnovers on the evening.

“They got into a zone press and we turned the ball over four straight times, which gave them a great opportunity to get back in the ball game,” Pittman said of the Lady Jag run that began in the first half. “Then we come out in the third quarter and turn the ball over five straight times. “Very disappointed in my point guard and my two guard. We didn’t handle the pressure.”

Pittman did compliment the play of sophomore big Caleb Washington, who led the Lady Tigers with 11 points.

“Caleb gave us a big spark in the post,” Pittman said.

Ivery Moore added nine points for Demopolis. Shaquala Bryant led Sumter with 14 points while Haven Moore had 11.

Demopolis is scheduled to host Selma Tuesday.