Lady Bulldogs pop Hattiesburg with big first

HATTIESBURG – In basketball, you should never underestimate the importance of a strong start. And perhaps Natchez High girls coach Mary Irving will look back on this game as one of the more stronger beginnings, as her Lady Bulldog squad started hot out of the gate.

A 22-11 first quarter set the tone as Natchez High put down the host Hattiesburg High Lady Tigers on the opening night of the Hattiesburg Holiday Tournament.

The tournament, which guarantees each team three games regardless of the outcomes, runs through Saturday.

The Lady Bulldogs, not to be outdone by the success of the boys squad, has raced out to a 15-2 start this season. they will face R.H.watkins High out of Laurel today at 5 p.m. at Hattiesburg gym.

Irving’s team will round out the &uot;tournament&uot; with a game against Kossuth Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Crystal L. Brown paced the offensive display with 16 points. Natchez extended their lead to 34-21 at the break and ballooned the margin to an 18-point bulge heading into the final frame. Karmethia Mazique had a productive night as well, adding 13 points.

Chrystal Sylvester and Gloria Lewis each chipped in with 10, and Kristen West and Crystal D. Brown rounded out the scorebook with eight, and three, respectively.

The Lady Tigers, who dropped their record to 7-8 on the season, got a game-high 19 points from Sandra Stovall. Her teammate Yolanda Hartfield added 15.

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Hattiesburg Holiday Classic

Varsity Girls

Natchez 60, Hattiesburg 43

Natchez 22 12 16 10 60

Hattiesburg 11 10 11 11 43

Natchez: Crystal L. Brown – 16; Karmethia Mazique – 13; Chrystal Sylvester – 10; Gloria Lewis – 10; Kristen West – 8; Crystal D. Brown – 3

Hattiesburg: Sandra Stovall – 19; Yolanda Hartfield – 15; Tametria Conner – 5; Felicia Gray – 2; Valerie Lee – 2

Natchez – 15-2 overall; next – vs. Laurel R.H. Watkins High, 5 p.m. today

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