Sparkman advances in Sugar Bowl tourney with win over Ponchatoula

WESTWEGO – Blessed with talent, size and depth, Sparkman (Ala.) gradually wore down and pulled away Thursday evening from a game Ponchatoula squad 71-51 in the girls national bracket of the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic.

The Senators never trailed, taking an 18-10 lead after one quarter and a 33-27 lead at halftime.

After a very competitive first half, Sparkman broke the game open in the third quarter, pulling out to a 58-43 lead heading to the final quarter.

The Senators scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to put the game away.

Jamya Griffin led a balanced attack with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Laryn Scott had 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks and Derryn Goode had 11 points and three rebounds.

Alyssa Hillard topped the Green Wave (11-9) with 21 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Ja’sani Watts finished with 11 points and Morgan Watkins added nine points.

The Senators sank seven 3-pointers in a diverse attack.

Sparkman (13-6) advances to the quarterfinals Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Parrish Community, Florida, who defeated Ellender 53-3w behind 20 points from Mary Portwood.

FINAL
Sparkman 18 15 25 13 71
Ponchatoula 10 17 16 8 51

Scoring:
Sparkman: Jamya Griffin 17, Laryn Scott 12, Darryn Goode 11, Abethany James 11, Hannah Horton 6, Jurnce Moore 4, Khole Bradley 2, Avery Johnston 2

Ponchatoula: Alyssa Hillard 21, Ja’sani Watts 11, Morgan Watkins 9, Brittany Moore 4, Davasia Williams 4, Zion Duncan 2

Rebounds: Sparkman 40, Ponchatoula 27

Turnovers: Sparkman 12, Ponchatoula 11