New Albany Bulldogs

New Albany may have not been given much of a chance going into their semifinal match-up against St. Stanislaus, but the Bulldogs made the most of their opportunity before falling in the final minutes of their 73-66 game Monday night.

The Bulldogs led for a majority of the first half despite the Rock-a-Chaws using their inside force, led by Johnny Zuppardo with 11 first quarter points.

Brad Gray has seen his team respond well after losses, and as the Bulldogs prepare for the 4A State Semifinals, he hopes to see that same attitude when they play St. Stanislaus on Monday.
“It was tough losing in North Half, but despite that, we’re still playing, he said.
“That’s what we’re trying to get across to our kids. You don’t want to lose, but we still have a shot. We’re still alive, and usually they come back the first game after a loss with a chip on their shoulder, so I think we’ll be okay.”

Lady Bulldogs win second straight North Half title

For the second year in a row, it took overtime for the Lady Bulldogs to claim the North Half Championship, as they earned the 46-42 win over Pontotoc on Saturday.

John Stroud saw the team he is most familiar with return Thursday night.

New Albany showed no mercy in their second round North Half game, topping Noxubee County, 71-30.

“We stressed today that these are put-out games from here on out, so there’s no letting up,” he said. “We’re playing more now with intensity and we’re more focused, not letting up at any point. I think they see how close we are to going back to Jackson, and it showed more in the way we’re playing.”