Bearcats split against two big schools in basketball

Both teams in Long Beach played large schools this past week and got different results.

Boys | Long Beach 63, Hancock 54

With the Bearcats (5-6) in control most of the game, they never got too far ahead of the Hawks, by turning the ball over a few times.

Long Beach forward Calvin Johnson

Small forward Calvin Johnson hit a few second half 3-point baskets along with point guard E.J. Belino converting 9 out of 10 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter.

19-point fourth quarter led to the victory in the fog Tuesday night.

Johnson topped all scorers with 15 points.

Boys | Picayune 45, Long Beach 43

Back and forth was the name of the game in this defensive contest. Both teams tied at 21 in the half, the Maroon Tide rolled past Long Beach with a last second steal.

Long Beach center, Jaidon Evans

“Picayune is a good basket- ball team, kids played hard, but a few turnovers hurt us,” said Long Beach High School Boys Coach Joel Boone.

“We had some holes to fill and a lot of emotions, as district will be very tough,” said Picayune High School Head Coach Kelton Thompson.

Johnson led all scorers with 13 points.

Girls | Hancock 49, Long Beach 22

Although the game was not as lopsided as it appeared, the second half surge by the Lady Bearcats (7-5) couldn’t overcome the lead.

“We had a great second half, but we dug ourselves to big of a hole in the first to get out of,” said Long Beach Lady Bearcats Head Coach Jed Kanengiser.

Tytianna Burage led all scorers with 14 points.

Girls | Picayune 34, Long Beach 13

Similar to the boys’ game, this was a defensive contest. Unfortunately for the Lady Bearcats, the time of possession didn’t happen and the shots didn’t fall.

Burage finished with 5 points, including a three-point basket.