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Ferriday High School’s Marquell Griffin floats in a layup Tuesday during the Trojans’ win over Vidalia in Ferriday, 82-69. Griffin scored 21 points for Ferriday in the win. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Vidalia High School’s Brandon Vantree, 40, and Ferriday’s Jer’Lyric Brooks fight for a rebound Tuesday during the Trojans’ district win, 82-69. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Ferriday’s Jer’Lyric Brooks looks for on open teammate Tuesday during the action. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Front left, Darrell White, raises his hands while Kinetra Collins, Kayla Collins and Anasia Turner celebrate as the Ferriday boys basketball team scores during its game against Vidalia High School Tuesday at the Ferriday Junior High. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Gary Stewart Sr., holds his grandson, Channing Cothern, while sitting in the Vidalia section of the boys basketball game between Ferriday High School and Vidalia High School Tuesday. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Ferriday sophomore cheerleader, Branasha Jones, laughs with her squad while cheering for the Ferriday boys basketball team in its game against Vidalia High School Tuesday. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Ferriday High School had four players end in double digits Tuesday as the Trojans took a direct route the basket in an 82-69 victory over Vidalia.

Marquell Griffin scored a game-high 21 points for Ferriday, including sinking 8-of-13 free throws in the LHSAA District 2-2A win.

After the Trojans (16-10, 9-1) needed great help from the 3-point shot in their last matchup with the Vikings — pulling out a 68-61 win in overtime on Jan. 10 — coach K.G. Watkins felt more secure about Tuesday’s approach.

“It’s really not that hard, but too often we settle for the outside shot,” he said. “That just goes to a lot of young kids, but they will grow and mature and learn that anybody can shoot a 3. You have to take the ball inside.”

Jer’Lyric Brooks followed closely with 18 points for the Trojans, including five 3-pointers. The remainder of the team went straight down the lane as Dantrieze Scott finished with 16 points, and Montrieze Sandage added another 14.

Leading by just three points at halftime, 31-28, Watkins said he was more pleased with Ferriday’s effort in the second half.

Ferriday outscored Vidalia in both the third and fourth periods to stretch its lead to at most 19 points after halftime.

“I’m really satisfied with the second half,” Watkins said. “Some of the guys that needed to step up did, so that was good to see.

“I fussed at them at halftime because we allow people to stay with us when they shouldn’t. The second half we came back more determined, and you could tell.”

For Vidalia, Vikings coach Robert Sanders said it just wasn’t their night.

“I like the fact that we fought until the end,” he said. “We didn’t give up. That’s all we could ask of them.

“We kept hustling and baskets fell, but it just didn’t work out.”

Despite the loss, the Vikings were able to stick around as they traded baskets at the beginning of the fourth quarter. However, they rushed shots in an attempted comeback and could never recover.

Sanders said sometimes, things just don’t work out.

Vidalia had seven different scorers in the loss, led by Jaquan Wilson with 16 points, Ray J. Ransom with 15 and DeMikal McCoy with 12.

“It’s been proven,” he said. “We are 10-10, so you can see.”

Moving forward, Sanders said the Vikings are spirited in their attempt to finish the season strong. Vidalia travels to General Trass Thursday before hosting Mangham on Friday.

“They are motivated, so we’ll see,” Sanders said.

The Trojans will be back in action Friday when they travel to Rayville.

“We have got to come out at the beginning of every game and play aggressive., but I’m happy,” Watkins said.

Ferriday (girls) 69, Vidalia 26

The Ferriday High Lady Trojans (21-5, 8-2) notched a district win over Vidalia Tuesday, 69-26.

Pacha Poole led Ferriday with 24 points, while Tierra Spurs had 18 and Diamond Johnson added another 11.

Kaya Washington led Vidalia with six points.

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