A focused Selma High School team wasted little time in building a big lead and putting the game in cruise control in Friday’s 71-38 win over Demopolis.

The Saints used a different approach to prepare for this game, head coach Woodie Jackson said.

“We kept them here after school and all ate dinner together,” he said. “We all stayed after school and it seemed to make a difference.”

Demopolis built a 9-6 lead in the early minutes, but it did not last for long. Selma consistantly hit shots from all over the court and by the end of the first period led 19-12.

The Saints continued to hammer away building a 34-20 lead by halftime.

In the third period, Malcolm Riley, who had 13 points on the night, was hampered by an ankle injury. However, the Saints bench came up big with subs draining multiple three-pointers to keep the Tigers out of the game.

De’Vaughn Hardick led the charge for the Saints with 17 points followed by Darion Alexander with 11.

The win sets up a game with Wilcox Central Monday at 7 p.m. Jackson said the Jaguars are a team he is very familiar with.

“They are a well-coached team with some great players,” he said. “we’ll have to be ready.”