Comment on Lauderdale steps up to help out defending champions

By Gene Phelps Daily Journal MYRTLE – Booneville senior guard Adallice Young may be limping, but her teammates continue to take up the slack. In Saturday’s Myrtle Invitational, 5-foot-9 senior forward Maria Lauderdale stepped to the front, leading the unbeaten Lady Blue Devils to a 66-29 victory against Holmes Central in a battle of defending state champions – Booneville 3A, Holmes 5A. Lauderdale connected on four 3-pointers, scored 21 points and took four charges. “She hit some big shots when we were struggling early,” Booneville coach Michael Smith said.