Lady Indians defeat Co-Lin to win 2012 MACJC Championship

With Copiah-Lincoln making a determined effort to erase a 19-point lead, the Itawamba Lady Indians four sophomores stood strong in the face of adversity.

And the reward for their fortitude -- a state championship.

With key plays by Shay Bonner, Jameika Hoskins, LaPrecious Naylon, and Vechatita Bonner down the stretch, the Lady Indians claimed a 75-67 victory and the 2012 MACJC title.

"This was just a team effort, it's all about the team," said Naylon, the Eutaw, Al., native after the contest. "This championship means the world to me."

Co-Lin almost grabbed the world out of the Lady Indians hands, though.

Itawamba (24-2) ripped off a 14-4 run to open the second half. That spurt was capped by a Shay Booner reverse layup with 12 minutes, 37 seconds to play, that gave ICC a 60-41 lead.

But Itawamba could not uncork the confetti just yet.

Co-Lin (21-5) responded to that ICC lead with a 12-1 run. Then with 2:09 remaining, Chanta Poole drained a 3-pointer that pulled the visitors with 68-65.

"I was telling the team they needed positive offensive possessions," said Gray, who had called a time-out about this point in the contest. "And we were leaving their outside shooters open."

With a little better defensive intensity, Shay Bonner drained to free throws that signaled an end to the Co-Lin momentum with 1:42 left. 

Sealing the deal

Naylon then made a steal with 55 seconds remaining, and Hoskins and Bonner totaled four free throws in the final 44 seconds to ice the victory.

"They're all sweet, but I could probably end my life without winning another championship," said Gray, who has two high school championships, and now a second junior college title to go with the one from 2008. "These girls, this is what it's all about."

All four Itawamba sophomores scored in double figures, led by Hoskins with 19 points. Jasmine James paced Co-Lin with 22.

Itawamba played a steady first half, leading by as much as 12 before settling for a 46-37 halftime advantage.

The Lady Indians have precious little time to enjoy this title, as they turn around and must focus on the Region XXIII Tournament next week in Clinton.