Middleton ladies win streak climbs to 45

The Middleton Lady Tigers extended their win streak to 45 games over two seasons with a 62-43 win over McNairy Central on Tuesday, December 15, followed by a 57-44 win over Jackson Christian School (JCS) on the road on Friday, December 18.
Middleton jumped out to an early lead during Tuesday's game against McNairy. The Lady Tigers led by 10 points after the first period, but that lead was cut to nine points by half time. Middleton struggled in the third period, and McNairy was able to cut their deficit to just one point going into the final stanza, when Middleton turned up the heat and outscored McNairy 27-9 for a 19 point 62-43 win.
“We picked up a lot of fouls, and had to pull some of our starters for a while, and that hurt us, especially in the third period,” said Middleton head coach James Burkley.
Chelsey Perry led all scorers with 17 points, followed by Dakedra Mason and Sequoya Warren with 14 points each.
Middleton had a little easier time on Friday, against JCS. The Lady Tigers jumped on top early, and led by 16-points after the first period, but their lead was cut to 15 points at the half. Middleton increased their lead back to 16 points after the third period. McNairy gained back three points in the final period, but Middleton went on to win by 13 points, 57-44.
“Once again we picked up a few fouls, and had to go to our bench some in the second half, and they are still a bit inexperienced,” coach Burkley said.
Dakedra Mason led all scorers with 20 points, followed by Cherelle Jones with 11 points and Sequoya Warren with 10 points.
The Middleton ladies are now 10-0 (2-0 in District 15A).
The Middleton boys also continued to rack up victories last week, gaining an an easy 69-28 win at home against McNairy Central on Tuesday, December 15, followed by a 75-55 win over JCS in Jackson on Friday, December 18.
On Tuesday, Middleton and McNairy stayed close in the first period, but Middleton held on to a six point lead going into the second period, then started to pull away and led by 16 points at the break, 33 points after three periods and 41 points by the final buzzer for an easy 69-28 win.
“We played well defensively,” coach Burkley said. “Our half court pressure gave McNairy a lot of problems.”
Montrez Jones led all scorers with 21points, followed by Jacques Gibson with 16 points including three from 3 point range, and Justin Morman had 14 points.
Middleton’s strong play continued on Friday against JCS. The Tigers led by eight points after the first period, 10 points at the half, 13 points after the third period, and 20 points by the end of the game for a 75-55 win.
“This was a good team effort for us,”coach Burkley said.
Tylandrius Parks led all scorers with 23 points, followed by Justin Morman with 20 points, and Jacques Gibson had 13 points including three 3 pointers.
Middleton’s record is now 9-3 (2-0 in District 15A)
The Middleton Lady Tigers are set to play in the Dyersburg Lady Trojans Christmas Basketball Tournament starting Monday Dec. 28 and continuing through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Middleton will face Union City at 2:30 p.m., on Monday in the first round.
The Middleton boys are not scheduled to play again until Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, when they travel to Jackson to face Madison Academic Magnet.