New Albany Bulldogs

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.”

A second half surge gave the Lady ‘Dawgs a first round win in the 4A North Half playoffs Tuesday night.

Head coach John Stroud watched as his team built a 10-2 lead early on only to have Rosa Fort tie the contest late in the frame and take their only lead in the second. Clinging to a 27-22 lead at the half, New Albany broke away in the third quarter, leading to the 65-48 win.

It is all about unfinished business for the Bulldogs, as they captured their second straight division tournament championship and now look ahead to the North Half playoffs.

Taking on Shannon in Saturday night’s championship game, New Albany fought from behind for the 58-53 win.

Led by 16 first half points from Jamar Clifton, the Red Raiders controlled the half, leading 30-25 at the break after Clifton scored six of Shannon’s final eight points once New Albany took a brief lead.

Talent is one thing New Albany does not lack on this year’s basketball squad. Leading the way is a senior, whose passion and emotion are easily spotted every time he suits up for the Bulldogs.