Ailing Tigers Sharks down North Florida Christian

Sparked by junior point guard Jae Lenox, the undermanned Port St. Joe girls basketball team ran away with a 59-22 romp over the visiting North Florida Christian Eagles Saturday night. 

With several players ill earlier in the week, the Tiger Sharks had to cancel their trip to play Bay High School on Tuesday, Jan. 4, but were able to compete on Saturday despite the continued absence of post player Mari Johnson and shooting guard Alonah Segree. 

Besides leading all scorers with 26 points, which included two 3-pointers and six free throws, the speedy Lenox also pulled down seven rebounds, and dished out six assists with her nifty passes. 

Teammate Amani Jones nearly recorded a triple-double with her 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight blocks. 

Mimi Larry added 10 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, with fellow senior Shadavia Hudgins contributing five points, two assists, and three steals. 

Normally not a starter, sophomore Ty’Shawn Shackleford played admirably, scoring two points and snatching five rebounds. 

Ahead 16-9 after the first period, St. Joe increased the lead to 29-13 at halftime as Lenox scored 11 points in the second quarter. 

During the third period, Jones asserted herself down low, scoring eight of her points with Lenox duplicating her second-quarter output with 11 more points as the Tiger Sharks put the game on ice 50-20 to start the final quarter. 

With the outcome decided, Shark coach Kenny Walker gave his starters a much-deserved rest at the 4:11 mark, and allowed his JV girls to finish the contest. There would be no more scoring by either team from that point on. 

Assistant coach Keion McNair said everyone would be healthy and ready to play when the team traveled to Blountstown on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and Marianna on Friday, Jan. 14. 

The next home contest is scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 15, against Godby, with tip off against the Cougars at 2 p.m.