Ferriday High School inched out a win Tuesday night, but Trojan coach K.G. Watkins said it should have never even been close.

After leading by just one point at the end of the third quarter, the Trojans (14-10, 7-1) defeated Delhi Charter down the stretch finding their way under the rim for the win, 65-59.

“Our tempo was so slow,” Watkins said. “We tried to talk about picking it up — first quarter, second quarter, third quarter — but we have just got to stop playing down to the competition.

“The good thing is we are still in district play and not the playoffs. If we would have played like that in the playoffs, we would have been going home.”

Alongside the sluggish demeanor, Watkins said, a series of missed breakaway shots in the fourth quarter also put a damper in Ferriday’s spirits.

“It really wasn’t our defense, but our offense,” he said. “It’s really just not what we are looking for right now.”

Despite miscues, Watkins has faith there is still time to find the right combination of attitude and execution.

“It comes down to the point now where they have to be satisfied with their own play,” he said. “At some point in time, they have to do it within themselves. Hopefully we can continue with a winning attitude — how we aren’t satisfied with just barely getting by.”

Delhi Charter switched its defensive attack to keep the Trojans from making easy layups for the majority of the second half, forcing Ferriday to shoot 3-pointers to keep the game close. Marquell Griffin led the game for Ferriday with 19 points, including five of his team’s six long shots.

The Trojans finally pulled away for a six-point lead when Griffin forced a steal and bounced the assist to Montrieze Sandage, followed by a three-point play from Jer’Lyric Brooks midway through the final period.

Curtis Collins added another 15 points for Ferriday, Brooks had 11, Dantrieze Scott ended with nine and Sandage poured in eight.

“It should have never been close. We just stopped playing our game,” Watkins said.

Ferriday (girls) 54, Delhi Charter 14

The Ferriday Lady Trojans improved their record with a win over Delhi Charter Tuesday night, 54-14.

Ferriday (18-5, 6-2) had two players in double digits, including a game-high 19 points from Pacha Poole. Tierra Spurs added another 15.

Diamond Johnson ended the game with nine points, while Zaniya Curry added eight in the win.

Ferriday will be back in action Friday when both teams travel to General Trass.