Brinkley’s double-double paces Bulldogs

Mississippi Gulf Coast scored the first 15 points of the second quarter to take over Thursday's MACCC women's basketball showdown at Holmes, winning 66-51.

Ceremonies before the game honored Holmes assistant coach Brooke Walker, who was killed in a car accident on Sunday. Both teams wore purple accessories in tribute to Walker.

"People were being optimistic about coming out and celebrating Coach Walker, but it was emotional," Gulf Coast coach Hope Adams said. "It was pretty hard for the team to go say goodbye earlier in the day and then have to come in and compete for a conference game. I have much respect for Coach (Bridget) Goodnight. I told her earlier today that she is one strong lady to be able to go do that and carry her team through this moment. I can only imagine what they're going through."

Katelyn Brinkley (Fr., Ridgeland/Ridgeland) dominated the boards, finishing with a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. Dekyra Mitchell (Fr., Durant/Holmes County) led Gulf Coast with 22 points, and Taelar Felton (Fr., Clinton/Clinton) had 15.

"Brinkley made her free throws," Adams said. "The main thing is her presence inside is going to be one of the key factors for us to defend our conference title and region title. She's stepping up and trying to figure out that role in that position, to complement those guards we have outside."

The teams were even after the first 10 minutes, but Gulf Coast scored the first 15 points of the second to go up 29-14. The Bulldogs never looked back.

Gulf Coast made 19-of-23 free throws, including 7-of-10 by Brinkley.

The Bulldogs entertain Jones on Tuesday at Dantzler Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

For more information on MGCCC's 12 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.