WSCC Hoop Teams Split With Motlow State

TULLAHOMA — The No. 14 Walters State women's basketball team closed out the regular season Saturday in brand fashion, thumping Motlow State, 81-57.

The 11^th-ranked Senators weren't as fortunate, dropping an 81-59 decision to the Bucks.

In posting their 26^th win in 30 games this season, the Lady Senators (14-2 in TJCCAA action) had 14 of their 15 players dent the scoring column.

"We were able to set the tone early in the contest," Lady Senators' coach Dave Kragel said. "We got after them defensively, which allowed us to jump out to a big lead."

Walters State led by as much as 35 points in the second half before Kragel cleared the bench to allow his reserves valuable playing time.

Freshman Rhon'Neisha Taylor, whose grandfather passed away earlier in the day, tallied 16 points in the victory while sophomore Jasmin Coleman had her best game since returning from a shoulder injury. Coleman netted 10 points.

"It was good to see Jasmin play near the level she was playing before the injury," Kragel said. "We've got some time before the Region VII tournament starts to get her shoulder stronger and her stamina up."

For the game, the Lady Senators were 35-of-55 from the floor (4-of-8 from 3-point range) for a sizzling 63.6 percent while making 7-of-12 free throws.

Kiera Nelson led the Lady Bucks with 15 points, Lauren Hudgens added 11 while Abby Jackson scored 10.

Veteran Walters State men's basketball coach Bill Carlyle has warned his team about being prepared to play Motlow State, especially after the Bucks lost by 31 in Morristown. The Senators didn't heed the coach's message.

"I told them this was going to be a tough game," Carlyle said. "Maybe it was good for us to have a game like this before tournament play begins."

Freshman guard A.J. Thomas gunned in 19 points for Walters State (28-1, 15-1). Fellow freshmen Laquantis Stewart and Chris Talley added 17 and 10 points, respectively, while Stewart collected 11 rebounds.

"We played an awful first half and dug ourselves a deep hole," Carlyle said. "We played better in the second half, but it was too late."

For the contest, the Senators were 22-of-56 from the field (6-of-21 on 3-pointers) for 39.3 percent while hitting just 9-of-20 free throws.

Frank Henry-Ala and Tyree Evans fired in 19 points for the Bucks. Cliff Dixon added 12 points, Demarco Stepter chipped in 11 while Dijon Jones scored 10.