Both Grenada High School basketball coaches Kendrick Conley and Roderick Moore knew the challenges their teams faced were tough in the opening round of the North 6A boys and girls tournaments, which began last Friday for girls and followed for the boys last Saturday at selected sites across the state.
Conley’s girls made the 90-minute trip into Madison County to face Region 2 runner-up Canton High School. Grenada trailed 15-9 midway the second quarter and 26-16 at halftime. The host Lady Tigers pulled away in the second half and won a 56-34 decision.
With the loss, Grenada finishes its season at 19-7. Canton improves to 26-4 overall and advances to the second round Wednesday at Olive Branch.
Conley pointed to two critical areas that proved to be the difference in the game.
“We missed a lot of easy shots and had too many turnovers,” he said. “You can’t have 19 turnovers against a good team. Give them credit, they are a solid basketball team.”
Junior Kalysia Redford led GHS with 10 points to go with 5 rebounds. Classmate August Hardiman had 7 points and 10 rebounds. Senior and leading scorer Carlei Brown was held to just 6 points and 10 rebounds. Another junior, Addyson White had 5 points and 9 rebounds.
Senior Madison Woodard had 2 points and 4 rebounds while classmate Lazia Cotton scored 2 points and pulled down 3 rebounds. Junior Erica Moss rounded out the scoring with 2 points.
Canton was led by McDonald’s All-American Shamira Morton with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Boys
The Chargers trailed 22-9 at the end of the opening quarter and 39-16 at halftime.
Freshman Tyler Edwards led the Chargers with 18 points. Grenada ends it season at 10-19.
