Greenville repeats as recreation champs
Published 12:00 am Friday, March 17, 2006
Greenville Parks and Recreation Director Jerome Harris Jr. didn't see his wish come true, but he said that he'll take the outcome any day.
Greenville I, one of two 18-and-under basketball teams, repeated as state parks and recreation champs Saturday in Enterprise after holding off Dothan in the championship game, 69-68.
With the game seemingly well in hand, Dothan outscored Greenville 24-15 in the fourth period, but it was not enough. This marks back-to-back state titles for Greenville.
“I wanted an all-Greenville final, but I'll take a state championship any day,” Harris said. “It seems like this year's competition was much tougher than last. We beat one team last year by 70 points, but had to hold on down the stretch against the same team this year.”
Jacques Burnett scored 14 of his game-high 18 points in the first half to lead Greenville. Derrick Hughler added 15 in the championship game.
Greenville advanced to the championship game by crushing host Enterprise 69-46. Greenville limited Enterprise to just 17 second-half points on its way to the win.
Burnett had the hot hand again for Greenville by pouring in a game-high 21 points.
Greenville advanced to the semifinal round early Saturday morning by topping Huntsville 66-56.
After taking a one-point lead at intermission, Greenville pulled away in the second half by outscoring Huntsville 39-29.
Burnett was one of four Greenville players to finish with double figures with 19. Anthony Mack added 14, while Deidrique Scott and James Smith pitched in 10 points each.
Greenville II was eliminated from the 18-and-under tournament after falling in the first round to Madison County, 52-45.
Madison County jumped out to a 15-8 lead after the first period and never looked back.
Shaun Cook led Greenville in scoring with 11, while Nicholas Albritton added 10.
The Greenville 8-and-under all-star team also made an early exit from the state tournament on Saturday.
Greenville fell to Madison County, 36-26.
Ja'Keem Davison led Greenville with 13 points.
“I want to thank area clubs and businesses (Sistas, Zeta Phi Beta, GLC's, Greenville Motor Company, Jimmy Gardner from State Farm, Ronnie Paulk and Benefit Planners, Professional Men and Norman Blackmon Motors) around the area for their support,” Harris said.