The Winona boys and girls basketball teams had a rough week to end 2019 with losses to Coffeeville and Grenada. The Tigers were defeated by Coffeeville 68-36 and Grenada 86-55. The Lady Tigers lost to Coffeeville 58-18 and Grenada 56-23.
Turnovers killed the Tigers against Coffeeville. “When you turn the ball over 41 times, that doesn't help,” said Coach Presley Coleman.
The Tigers trailed 33-22 at the half. “We had a few turnovers right out of the gate in the third quarter that killed us,” Coleman said. “The first half were breaking their press because we were passing the ball. In the second half we got away from that and tried to dribble through the press which led to turnovers.”
James Shelton, a sophomore, and freshman Jaiwain Small each had 10 points and seven rebounds for Winona. Shelton was five of seven from the floor and had four assists and two steals.
Grenada jumped out to a 25-9 lead after one quarter. “We made a run in the third quarter. We cut it to 10,” Presley said. “It didn't get away from us until the fourth quarter.”
Rebounding was a problem. “We just didn't do a good job rebounding the basketball. That's something we're going to work on over the Christmas break.”
Jalen Daniels scored 19 points for Winona. Ty Moore had 19 for Grenada, which shot 50 percent (38 of 76).
The Lady Tigers continued to struggle offensively. “We knew that coming in,” said Coach Frank Miller. “We're going to have to figure out a way to manufacture points. We're not a good outside shooting team.”
The Lady Tigers trailed Grenada 21-12 at the half. “It didn't get out of hand until the fourth quarter,” Miller said.
Jayla Campbell, a freshman, led Winona against Coffeeville with eight points. Tyra Weathersby had 14 in the Grenada game.
Coleman and Miller both said playing a quality 5A opponent in Grenada will be beneficial to their teams.
“That's why we schedule games like that. It challenges us to play tough competition,” Coleman said. “They (Grenada) have a complete team.”
Miller said his team showed some fight against Grenada. “That game really helped us a lot.”
The Tigers and Lady Tigers will return to the court Jan. 3 with home games against Ethel.
