With their district tournament just two weeks away, the Parklane Academy Lady Pioneers lost more Friday night than a basketball game.
Starting forward Kellen Choate left during the third quarter of Parklane’s 50-31 loss to Jackson Prep with what head coach Russell Cruise said was a possible stress fracture to her ankle.
Choate was taken to the emergency room at the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment, Cruise said.
Cruise could not be reached Saturday for an update on Choate’s condition.
If Cruise’s diagnosis is correct, Choate would likely miss the remainder of the season.
With the district tournament looming on the second week of February, the Lady Pioneers currently hold the third seed in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA South Division.
“That hurts us a lot,” Cruise said. “She’s been a lot of our offense lately.”
Russell added that it would take a “team effort” to replace Choate if she is indeed unable to take the court again this season.
Parklane’s offense struggled mightily against Jackson Prep’s full-court press defense. The Lady Pioneers shot just 29 percent (14-of-49) from the field and were forced into 31 turnovers.
“The girls played hard,” Cruise said, “but we turned the ball over too much. (Jackson Prep) did a good job mixing up their man and zone defenses, and we didn’t react to it.”
Emily Alford’s baseline jumper gave Parklane (9-12 overall, 1-7 in MAIS Class AAA South Division) a 2-0 lead, but the Lady Pioneers missed their next eight shots and committed 10 turnovers over the next 6:29.
By the time Leighton Honea broke the string with her short jumper from the right wing, Parklane found itself trailing 9-4.
Parklane finally reached double digits late in the second period on Tylyn Brumfield’s offensive rebound and baseline putback, but the Lady Pioneers trailed 27-10 at halftime.
Consecutive baskets by Molly Adams and Choate pulled Parklane to within 29-14. Adams drained a three-pointer from the right corner to make it 33-19 before Jackson Prep closed the third period on a 12-2 run to increase its lead to 45-21.
Jackson Prep enjoyed a 49-22 advantage with five minutes to play, when Cruise emptied his bench.
Ashton Aldridge benefitted from the playing time, hitting consecutive baskets after entering the game. Her second score came on a 12-foot jumper in the lane to make it 49-26.
Aldridge finished with six points.
“The girls played hard near the end,” Cruise said.
