By By Matthew Nascone
The Northview Lady Chiefs were 30 seconds from winning the 2006 W.S. Neal Christmas Tournament Dec. 23 against Greenville in Brewton.
"We had the lead with 30 seconds to go, but we took a shot, missed it and the other team scored two more baskets and we could not score again," NHS head coach Lorenzo Jones said. "We had a chance to tie it back up, but I called a timeout too early."
The final score was 30-28 in favor of Greenville.
Jones said there was one thing that made him happy about the second place finish in the tournament.
"All the other coaches came up to me and said that the tournament MVP should have come from Northview," he said. "And that is great because it shows that other people are recognizing how hard these girls are working."
The Lady Chiefs (5-10) won their first two games of the tournament, 42-31 and 39-27, against W.S. Neal and Georgiana, respectively.
"They were some good ball games and this tournament was a huge confidence builder for these girls," Jones said. "We had the most desire on the court in all of our games. And now these girls know we can win and they know what they are capable of doing."
Gabe Wesley, Timeka Marshall and Brittney Thompson were named to the all-tournament team.
Jones said this tournament was good for the morale of the team and he is looking forward to the rest of the season.
South Walton 56 – Lady Chiefs 42
Gabe Wesley led the charge with 22 points and five rebounds. Timeka Marshall added nine points and three steals. Melissa Garrett contributed seven points and Brittney Thompson scored four points.
Jay 36 – Lady Chiefs 34
Brittney Thompson and Gabe Wesley scored 12 points each to lead the Lady Chiefs in scoring. Timeka Marshall contributed five points, Melissa Garrett added three points Timeka Marshall contributed five points and Wanda Knight dropped in two points.