2004

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Thursday, March 04, 2004

I LOCAL SPORTS East Central advances to title game after blowout victory By Marty Stamper I EMG sports assistant

March 4, 2004

CLINTON- So much for the dream game.

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East Central Community College's Lady Warriors led by as many as 38 points in crushing sixth-ranked Northeast Mississippi Community College 92-67 Wednesday afternoon in the Region 23 Tournament at Mississippi College. The Lady Warriors, 28-2, will take on Copiah-Lincoln Community College, 19-8, at .6 p.m. today for the region championship . The winner will advance to the NJCM Women's National Tournament, March 16-20, at Salina, Kan. The Lady Warriors, ranked 17th nationally, slapped Northeast around from the start as they scored the game's first 14 points. In the run, Lenore Gray scored at will in the lane and Kotreece Bender and Kristin Chaney each buried a 3-pointer.

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"That was a good start," ECCC head coach Brad Hodge said. "It helped take a little pressure off the offense and our defense."

The Lady Warriors led by as many as 19 points in the first half as they took a 45-26 lead into halftime.

Northeast's inside game was thought by many to be the Lady Tigers' strong suit, but ECCC's Gray and Kimyatta Viverette dominated the paint, especially in the first half. Gray finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals, while Viverette had 10 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists.

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Hodge said he never specifically challenged Gray and Viverette to step up with big games against Northeast.

"They got to see them play last week against Jones," Hodge said . "This team is competitive enough we don't have to step up and do the challenging. In fact, there wasn't much motivation to give this group today.

"They're very competitive and are a fun group to be around. They stepped up in a big situation."

Gray had 25 points in the first half and five other Lady Warriors hit at least one 3-point basket.

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