Southwood-West Monroe game had great atmosphere

When I walked into the Southwood gym Friday about 20 minutes before the tipoff of the Lady Cowboys' game against West Monroe, I was little disappointed. There was only a handful of spectators in the bleachers for a game that matched what are likely the two best Class 5A teams in the state

Of course, a 6 o'clock start time is problematic for high school sports events. It's tough for people who work a regular 8:30 or 9 to 5:30 or 6 day to make it for the start.

But by the time the game ended, the gym was almost full and it turned out to be a great atmosphere for high school basketball. Of course, most of the fans were pulling for Southwood but there was a fairly good-sized West Monroe contingent.

The Southwood fans grew quiet when West Monroe took a one-point lead late in the game. But they roared when a Jasmine Grant steal led to a Brittiany Houston layup.

It's too bad every high school game can't be played in that type of atmosphere.