By Austin Bishop
JACKSON — Cellular South Player of the Game Kierra Gilmore pumped in 31 points, including 14-for-20 from the line, to lead the Lady Bulldogs of McAdams High School to a 78-68 win over Myrtle in the MHSAA Class 1A Girls State championship Game on Thursday afternoon.
The McAdams boys also played for the state title, dropping a 72-60 decision to Ingomar at the Mississippi Coliseum.
With the win, the Lady Bulldogs claimed back-to-back Class 1A titles and advanced to the Grand Slam Tournament which will be played at the Coliseum next week.
McAdams faces Class 2A Champion Newton at 1 p.m. on Thursday in the opening round of the six-team event feature the champions of each classification.
A win on Thursday would push the Lady Bulldogs into the semifinals on Friday. The championship is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Kanesha Phillips scored 16 for Mcadams, while Dierra Gilmore hit for 14 and Marquita Phillips scored nine, including a key 3-pointer down the stretch to help keep Myrtle at bay. Precious ellington scored eight for McAdams.
Sophomore center Aspriona Gilbert scored 37 points to lead Myrtle.
The McAdams boys trailed by double digits, but managed to cut it to four points on a short spirt led by senior point guard Patrick Lewis, who nailed back-to-back 3-pointers then drove in for a lay-up.
Lewis led McAdams with 21 points, while John allen scored 14 and Jekele Snow hit for 10.
Zach Carnell led Ingomar with 25 points, while Matt Purvis tossed in 21.
