A stout defensive effort helped Dallas County inch past Selma 56-46 Saturday night. The Hornets held the Saints to 15 points in the second half, giving them the advantage in a game that saw the lead exchanged multiple times in the first three quarters.

After winning their first few games easily, the Hornets were tested Saturday night for the first time this season.

“We didn’t lead the game from start to finish and we were able to battle back from a little adversity tonight and had a chance to win the ball game,” Dallas County head coach Willie Moore said. “Our previous games we won fairly easy and tonight we had to work a little harder for the win.”

Despite their less than stellar second half, the Saints had a chance to win the game down the stretch. Jerrod Moorer’s buzzer beating 3-pointer gave Dallas County a 44-39 lead going into the fourth quarter and the Saints never got within four the entire final period.

Dallas County’s William Lee started the fourth quarter by throwing down a thunderous alley oop over a Selma defender, despite being fouled. He completed the three-point play to make the score 47-39. From there, the Hornets ran the clock and forced the Saints to foul.

“Tonight we only scored 15 the whole second half,” Selma head coach Woodie Jackson said. “Dallas County didn’t do anything different than they did the first half. We just had unforced turnovers. I think we ended up with 21.”

Lee sent a message to begin the game, blocking Selma’s first two shots.

He finished the night with six blocks to go along with 21 points, nine rebounds, two steals and an assist.

Moorer finished the game as the only other Hornet in double figures, with 11 points.

Selma was led in scoring by Kahmaul Jones, who scored 14 points. Keyshawn Ford also added 11 points for the Saints, including two huge 3-pointers.

The win could have been a costly one for the Hornets though.

B. J. Leshore fell to the floor in pain in the closing minutes with an apparent leg or knee injury.

Moore is already bracing for the worst, fearing the injury may be major.

“I would much rather have lost the game tonight than lose a player,” Moore said. “We lost a player tonight. He’s hurt.”

Leshore scored eight points in the game before leaving in the fourth.

 

Selma 48, Dallas County 20 (girls)

The Selma Lady Saints dominated the Dallas County Lady Hornets 48-20 Saturday night.

The Saints held Dallas County to 10 points in the first half and the second half, in a fantastic defensive effort.

The Saints’ Ayana Moore scored 12 points for Selma in the win and Takeesha Wilson added eight points.

Dallas County was held by Camisha Moore, who scored eight points.