HIGH SCHOOL

Bolivar girls score five late points to beat Liberty

Kevin Odom
sports@jacksonsun.com

After her team lost the lead for the first time with just 49 seconds remaining in the game, Bolivar's Nakeeta Franklin scored the game's final five points to give the Lady Tigers a 52-48 win over Liberty in a very physical game Tuesday night.

"It was a very physical game tonight and we like to play more of a finesse style game," Bolivar coach Rick Rudesill said. "Liberty did a good job of playing a physical game tonight and keeping us from playing our game."

The Lady Crusader's Brindy Fuller scored on a perfectly executed inbound play to give Liberty its only lead of the game at the 0:49 mark.

Franklin answered with a basket and a foul 16 seconds later that put Bolivar back in the lead at 49-48. She missed the free throw but collected the rebound and was fouled again. Franklin made her next two free throws to give Bolivar a three-point lead with 21 seconds remaining.

"I was just praying that the free throws would go in. We needed them to win the game," Franklin said.

Liberty missed a 3-pointer to tie it and Bolivar collected the rebound and Franklin iced the game by making one of two free throws.

Bolivar went out to a 10-point lead midway through the fourth quarter and the Lady Tigers looked as though they were going to win easy. Liberty then increased its defensive intensity and outscored the Lady Tigers 12-2 to tie the game up at 46-46.

"I am pleased with the effort the girls gave tonight. They could have just laid down when they fell behind late in the game, but they didn't quit," first-year Liberty coach James Shaw said. "We cannot turn the ball over like we did tonight if we want to win."

Bolivar (8-4) was led by Franklin with 17 points and Kenylsha Bryant with 15 points. Bryant used her ball handling skills and quickness to score most of her points driving to the basket.

Liberty (4-4) was led by its two seniors Fuller with 17 points and Kierra Linton with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Teja Pearson added 10 points and 12 rebounds to the Lady Crusaders' efforts.