Monroe boys stifle Americus-Sumter

ALBANY — The Monroe defense was stifling against Americus-Sumter. The Tornadoes stepped up and held the Panthers to just 42 points in their 54-42 victory Friday night at Monroe High School.

The total points for Americus would have been much lower, but they scored eight points in the final two minutes against Monroe’s backups. The Panthers had just 28 points going into the fourth quarter.

“I was pleased with the defense,” Monroe boys coach Marquis Davis. “I thought our defense was there. Our zone, our man-to-man, our press was there. I thought the guys really gave a great effort on the defensive end. I think that is what won the game for us.”

Monroe took a 26-17 lead into the half, but the Panthers fought back, cutting the lead to just six early in the third quarter.

The Tornadoes regained their composure to go up 43-28 at the end of the third quarter.

Despite the victory, Davis wasn’t pleased with the turnovers.

“We had some spots there, where we still turned the ball over too much,” Davis said. “I don’t know if that is an early season thing. We are still trying to work it out. The guys are playing hard and the effort is there. I just think we are leaving too many points on the table.”

In the fourth quarter, a somewhat quiet crowd was given reason to cheer when Napoleon Harris finished a rim-rattling dunk and converted the free throw. The dunk was Monroe’s final points of the game.

K’Naurtica George was Monroe’s only double-digit scorer as he finished with 11 points.

Kiante Sims finished with 18 points for Americus-Sumter and was the game’s leading scorer.

Americus-Sumter girls 68, Monroe 34

In the girls game, Americus-Sumter used a full court press early in the game to force the Lady Tornadoes to commit a lot of turnovers. Monroe found themselves down 18-9 at the end of the first quarter.

The Lady Tornadoes came back in the second to tie at 19, but then Americus-Sumter started to run away with the game. Americus finished the first half on a 12-4 run and took a 33-21 lead into halftime.

The second half was a struggle for Monroe. They scored just 13 points in the half.

“I wish we had a better showing,” Monroe coach Jennifer Acree said. “We knew what we were getting with Americus coming in. We are missing a few with injuries, but that is no excuse. We still are expected to win each game.”

Cekeya Mack led the Lady Tornadoes with 13 points.

Americus-Sumter guard and Florida State commit A’Tyanna Gaulden led all scorers with 17 points.