The game for the District 3-3A tournament championship Saturday between the Manchester Academy Lady Mavericks and the host Greenville Christian Lady Saints went back and forth for the first 29 minutes.
Then, in the final three minutes, the visitors from Manchester made the right plays and the big shots to win the game, 52-45.
“The difference came at the end when Manchester out rebounded us and outshot us. We overcame that in the first half by getting second half shots, but in the second half we just could not overcome it,” Greenville Christian coach Brother Sandifer said.
The runner-up finish by GCS in the tourney means that the Lady Saints must win its first two games in the Class 3A North State Tournament this week at Newton Academy. Greenville Christian is scheduled to take on Tunica Academy on Monday at 5:15 p.m. A victory Monday would move GCS into a quarterfinal match against Kemper Academy on Wednesday.
“I told them the season wasn’t over, but they have to dig down deep. Next week is a new week and we have to forget about this,” Sandifer said.
GCS’ Tariyah Washington scored 16 of her 19 points in the first half.
Sandifer added that his team, including Washington, may have been a bit tired after it defeated Porter’s Chapel 76-60 Friday night in the semifinals. Washington scored 41 points against Porter’s Chapel.
In Saturday’s championship, Sinaya McAtee scored nine points and Taylor Ellis added eight points.
Ellis and Washington were named to the All-District Tournament team, along with Sydney Porter and Lizzy Carpenter, of Manchester. Carpenter scored 20 points to lead Manchester
After Saturday’s victory, Manchester Academy has now one three straight district tournament championships.
“They have gotten the better of us. They can play really tough defense, and they have height,” Sandifer said.
Greenville Christian had its last lead over Manchester Academy when McAtee connected on a 3-point play. After a steal by Ellis, the Saints led 42-41 with 4:20 in the game.
The Saints cut the Mavericks lead to 45-44 with 2:27 left when Ellis made a basket after a nice assist from Washington. A 3-pointer by Carpenter put Manchester back up 48-44 with 1:50 on the clock.
