by Hunter Dawkins
Pass Christian High School Basketball is on two opposite sides of the spectrum after splitting games with Gulfport High School Wednesday night. The girls won 53-37 while the boys lost 66-39.
The Lady Pirates (13-0, 1-0) came out aggressively in the first game with a 26-10 lead at the half, including four 3-point baskets. After the half, Pass surged to a 21-point third period that allowed a cruise control for the rest of the game.
Senior Lady Pirates Guards Cayla Obillo and Emory Benoit both scored 11 points to lead Pass Christian.
Their next game is on December 27 against district and cross-town rival Bay High at Wilmer Seymour Gymnasium in Bay St. Louis. This game is a Christmas Invitational, which will be played at 5pm.
The Boys game began close, as the Pirates were down 14-10 at the end of the first period. Gulfport put a 15-point cushion before the break by installing the press defense to apply pressure,
After the half, the fresh start start didn’t prove to be much better for the Pirates (2-12, 0-1), losing both periods by a score of 35-23.
“We played better than we have been,” said Pass Christian Head Basketball Coach Willie James. “Our defense is bringing us down, as we still have a few aspects to instill.”
Despite losing their third consecutive game, the Pirates freshman power forward Xavian Chamberlain led all scorers with 16 points.
The Pass Pirates will not play again this year, with their first game in 2019 being against Bay Bridge and district rival St. Stanislaus on January 2 at 5pm.