Missy Gators end 2024 with loss to Jackson Prep
Published 3:13 pm Saturday, December 28, 2024
MADISON — The season is merry, but the Vicksburg Missy Gators weren’t feeling the joy on Saturday.
Ann Magee Stradinger made six 3-pointers and finished with 26 points, and Jackson Prep used a big run in the third quarter to beat Vicksburg 71-57 in the Jungle Bells Classic.
Vicksburg (10-6) lost both of its games in the holiday tournament hosted by Madison Central High School, after losing 49-47 to Terry on Friday.
“As a whole I think we’ve been doing pretty good. I’m not particularly happy with this game,” Vicksburg coach Troy Stewart said. “We lost yesterday to Terry, a very good team, by two. That lets you know you can play. The two or three games we lost prior to this one have been by one point, two points, three points. I know that we can play with just about anybody.”
Foul trouble played a big part in both games, as it has whenever the Missy Gators have struggled this season. Two players fouled out against Terry. None did against Jackson Prep, but three players had two fouls at halftime. Post player Cynia Johnson had three at halftime and picked up her fourth late in the third quarter.
Jackson Prep was 11-for-17 from the free throw line.
Stewart said a lack of depth has both caused and amplified the effects when the Missy Gators find themselves in foul trouble.
“It hurts us because we can’t finish games. Not because of the foul trouble itself, but because the conditioning is hurting us,” Stewart said. “Some of those fouls are due to reaching and not being in position. That’s because you’re tired. I’ve got to work on that right now.”
The Missy Gators fell behind by 10 points late in the first half, got back within two early in the third quarter, and then watched Jackson Prep pull away.
Stradinger made two 3-pointers and Claire Crosby converted a three-point play as part of a 17-4 run that put Prep in front 55-40 in the final minute of the third quarter.
Vicksburg rallied again in the fourth. Zion Harvey converted a basket and a free throw to get them within seven, 64-57, with four minutes left. Stradinger hit another 3-pointer on Prep’s next trip down the floor, however, and the Lady Patriots were not threatened again.
Harvey finished with a game-high 30 points and six rebounds for Vicksburg. Johnson had 15 points and six rebounds, and Jordan Grace had four steals.
Torrey Polk had 16 points for Jackson Prep. Meg Barbour added 12 and Crosby had 11.