Patriots get OT win over Urchins

The Marshall Academy Patriots wrapped up the preThanksgiving portion of their schedule with a pair of losses and a win.

MA came up short, 49-45, to Delta Streets in a home game Thursday, Nov. 19.

“I hate moral victories,” coach Craig Dailey said, “but we put ourselves in a position to win with our defense. I count it as a major step forward.”

The Patriots let a 23-16 halftime lead slip away.

Leading by six going to the fourth, they were outscored 2414 in the fourth and lost by four.

Rod’Drickous Moore held Delta Street’s star player, J.T. Lawrence, to 25 points after he had scored 54 in a game earlier that week.

“He really made a move to establishing himself as our `stopper,’ “ Dailey said.

“Also, Jordan Bonds found another defensive gear, and that’s a must for him to contribute.” Dee Howell, who recently joined the MA team, scored 11 of his team-best 15 points in the fourth. Walker Sanders added nine points.

“Dee came alive late and brought us back from death,” Dailey said. “We just fell short.

“Walker had some bright spots, taking three charges and helping us on a couple of solid runs.” The Patriots then played in the New Albany Turkey Tournament Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 23-24.

On day one of the event, they won a low-scoring, overtime game versus East Union ­ winning 33-30.

Marshall led 4-2 after one quarter, and the game was tied at 15 at halftime. MA was in front 21-19 after three, but then the game versus the Urchins went to the extra period tied at 28.

“We may have set offensive basketball back 50 years,” Dailey said. “But at least we scrapped and clawed on defense to create enough offense to win.

“Our offensive skills just aren’t that good right now. Defensively, we have made great strides.” Howell scored 11 for the Patriots. Rusty Bolden added eight. Moore also hit a couple of key shots in the second half.

“Dee (Howell) had a solid offensive game,” Dailey said. “He and Rod (Moore) created some turnovers to get us some separation.”

The Patriots then dropped a 64-40 decision to Tremont on day two of the New Albany Turkey Tournament.

The fell behind 30-12 at halftime.

“Tremont is as skilled of a basketball team as you will see,” Dailey said. `They overcome their athletic limitations with knowing the game and executing fundamentally. They are where we have to get by February.”

Sanders finished with 14 points, and Moore had 11.

“Walker (Sanders) and Rod (Moore) led us on both ends of the floor,” he said. “They are about to figure it out.”

The Patriots (2-5) and the Lady Patriots (4-2), who didn’t play last week, visited Tunica Academy Tuesday. They go to Rossville Christian Friday, and Tuesday, Dec. 8, they host Lee (Clarksdale) Academy.