Poise pays off for MCC

By Daniel Rigdon / sports writer

(MERIDIAN) - The Meridian Community College women's basketball team showed poise and determination Thursday night as the Eagles rallied from a 15-point deficit to defeat Shelton State 79-75 at Graham Gymnasium.

The first half was closely contested as neither team was able to seize momentum. The largest lead of the first half was seven as Shelton State led early. The teams were tied at 34 at the half.

The second half, however, did not start off well for the Eagles as Shelton was able to find a rhythm in its transition game and built a 15-point lead eight minutes in.

MCC never gave up as it stormed back to tie it at 63 with 5:45 left to go in the game. Two minutes later the Eagles would take their first lead of the contest, a lead they would not relinquish.

Kayla Hawkins would seal the deal as she stole a Shelton pass and was fouled with 11.4 seconds remaining. She would drain the ensuing free throws and Meridian improved to 8-1 on the season.

"Kayla Hawkins came off the bench and made the defensive play of the game for us," said Meridian coach Hilary Allen.

Meridian was led by LaDerica Campbell's 20-point, 10-rebound performance. Shardae Johnson followed suit with 19 points of her own. LaQuita Burrough and Kiara Jones each dropped in 10. Shelton was led by Saraethea Brown's team-high 15 points.

"This is a huge win for us," added Allen. "Shelton State is a very good basketball program and this is a big win at home for us."

MCC returns to action Saturday as it visits Bishop State.

Meridian men 74
Shelton State 93

Meridian came out firing on all cylinders Thursday night, however, it was not able to sustain that play throughout and eventually fell to Shelton State.

The Eagles (3-7) built their lead to as many as 10 points early in the first half only to enter halftime leading by two at 48-46.

The second half remained close through the first eight minutes as the lead swapped back-and-forth between the two teams. However, Shelton was able to pull away as Meridian was only able to manage eight points in the final 11:49.

MCC was led by Emmanuel Donald, who scored 16 points and pulled down five rebounds on the night. Cameron Bradley and Jared Hudnall also dropped in 10 each for the Eagles.

Shelton put four players in double figures as Serling Jones led all scorers with 21 points, followed by 18 from Josh Mickler. Bobby Glover and Courtney Carr each had 10 points.

MCC gets back on the hard court Saturday at Bishop State.


Incase you missed MCC’s basketball double-header vs Shelton State, here are the clips…Pre Game Interview w Coach Allen: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2703740
MCC women vs Shelton State 1st half: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2704047
MCC women vs Shelton State end of 1st half: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2704400
MCC women vs Shelton State 2nd half: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2704551
Post Game Interview w Coach Allen and player: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2705147
MCC men vs Shelton State 1st half: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2705278
MCC men vs Shelton State 2nd half: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2705930