by Hunter Dawkins
LONG BEACH v. GULFPORT
Boys: Gulfport 62 Long Beach 46 Girls: Gulfport 62 Long Beach 23
Friday night was not much success for the Bearcats, playing at Gulfport High’s Bert Jenkins Gymnasium. Despite both teams losing, each sides had quality first halves.
The Lady Bearcats came out swinging, only behind 12-6 after the first period to the Lady Admirals. For the next three period, Gulfport dominated the game 50-17. After this game, the Lady Bearcats record is 1-4.
The Admirals jumped on the Bearcats early in the boys game, pressing Long Beach and forcing multiple turnovers. Freshman Bearcats guard Malik Handy scored 5 quick points to cut the Gulfport lead at the end of the first to 21-15. Once Long Beach Guards Orlasko Barnes and Calvin Johnson knocked down four straight 3-point baskets, the game was at 36-34 Gulfport at the half.
Making things a little uncomfortable, the Admirals went back to the defensive pressure while the basket was not friendly to the Bearcats as the lost the second half 26-12.
“Its the first time that we’ve really played in two and a half weeks,” said Long Beach Head Basketball Coach Brandon Cobb. “We are relatively young and we were a little tired.”
Barnes led Long Beach scorers with 12 points, including four 3-point baskets. Johnson finished with 8.
“Orlasko did a great job,” said Cobb. “CJ (Calvin Johnson) struggled, but he is the team leader they all look up to.” The boys record is 3-3.
Both teams will play at George County High School on Tuesday in Lucedale.
PASS CHRISTIAN v. BAY (District Game)
Boys: Bay St. Louis 58 Pass Christian 50 Girls: 46-35
At the Wilmer Seymour Stadium in Bay St. Louis, the Bay-Bridge rivalry between both schools came to an interesting split in their first district game.
The Lady Pirates surged past the Lady Tigers early, outscoring the 13-1 in the first period behind Senior Guard Miranda Laurent’s 5 point, including one 3-point basket. Pass outscored Bay again in the second, 11-7 including two 3-point jumpers from junior shooting guard Ambria Christophe for the halftime lead 24-8.
Similar to the last game against Picayune, the Lady Pirates were outscored 16-15, but a few quick layups from Pass senior guard Emory Benoit kept the lead secure after three.
Finally, the fourth period proved to be closer than anticipated, as Pass Girls Coach Greta Ainsworth called a timeout after the Lady Tigers cut the Lady Pirates lead 41-27 with just under three minutes.
Pass solidified the victory through length ball movement during their possession, eating out the clock.
Laurent led all scoring with 10 points, while Christophe finished with 9. The Pass Girls are undefeated with a (9-0, 1-0) record.
The Pass-Bay boys game was close as usual. More of these details will be released in Friday’s edition. The Pass Christian Boys record is 1-7, 0-1 in district play. Both teams will host 6A St. Martin High School on Wednesday.
