By Brad Greer
The South Panola Tigers picked up their first two basketball victories of the season with a pair of wins Monday and Tuesday night in the Cleveland Invitational Tournament.

In the opening round contest Monday afternoon, the Tigers (2-3) raced to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter in route to a 55-17 romp over Ray Brooks. Cameron Brown led the way with 12 points and four steals as ten Tigers got into the scoring column.

Jordan Matthews chipped in with nine points, six rebounds and two steals. Howard Smothers pulled down nine boards to go along with eight points. Quen Poole followed with six points and three rebounds while Kenon Johnson also added six points, five rebounds and two steals.

Kentravious McMurry chipped in with five points and four rebounds with Ernest Sanford contributed four points. Terry Williams and Andre Gleaton garnered two points each while Ketrell Key rounded out the scoring with one point.

South Panola returned to the hardwood Tuesday and came away with hard-earned 50-45 triumph over Greenville St. Joseph. The Tigers jumped out to 13-8 after one quarter of play before extending its lead to 23-16 at halftime.

Johnson led all scorers with 15 points and two steals. Smothers garnered a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds while Brown also accounted for 11 points and a pair of steals.

Williams registered seven points and four rebounds while Matthews added seven rebounds and four points. Gleaton had two points and four rebounds. Poole did not figure into the scoring but pulled down five rebounds in the victory.

South Panola took on host Cleveland last night to close out the three-game tournament. The Tigers will be back in action Tuesday as they host Clarksdale beginning at 4 p.m. with a pair of junior varsity contests.