Jackets bitten by Gators in Class 6A North title game

February 19, 2011

From Staff Reports

VICKSBURG – The Starkville Yellowjackets overcame a slow start and took a lead against the Vicksburg Gators Saturday night, but couldn't maintain the momentum and lost a 69-54 decision in the Class 6A North Championship game.
After beating Jackson Murrah 52-48 to clinch a spot in the state tournament Friday night, the Jackets (19-8) found the going was much tough against the homestanding Gators.
"We started out OK, but we came on strong after being down in the first quarter and battled back and made some plays," Starkville coach Greg Carter said. "Every time we took the lead, they seemed to have an answer for it. They were bigger, stronger and more athletic than we were. Michael Ammons was a man in there tonight."
Vicksburg jumped out to a 20-11 lead after the first quarter, but the Jackets closed the gap to 31-25 by halftime and took a 47-43 advantage following three quarters.
The Gators out-scored the visitors 26-7 in the fourth quarter to regain control and put the game away.
"They made some big shots, spread the floor and hit free throws," Carter said of what Vicksburg did in the final quarter.
Jacolby Mobley was the only SHS player to score in double figures with 12 points, while Steve Brand and Tory Rice had nine points each and Calvin Young added eight points.
Gavin Ware missed his fourth-straight game with a bruised knee.
The Jackets don't play again until March 2 in Jackson when they take on Meridian at the Class 6A state tournament.