by Hunter Dawkins, Owner/Publisher – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — While the Pass Christian Boys Basketball team was anything but dominant in their first round MHSAA 4A Playoff matchup, they won their 11th game in a row over the McComb Tigers 66-55 to survive and advance Tuesday, February 17 at the Pass Christian High School Gymnasium. The Pirates (20-9, 9-0) were coming off their third consecutive Region 8-4A Championship last week in Moss Point.
“I am definitely glad Mardi Gras is over,” said Pass Christian Head Basketball Coach Robin Sikes, who won his second consecutive region title since being hired at the Pirates head basketball coach. “I’m certainly not taking anything away from McComb, but my team looked totally different tonight. The most important thing is winning, it can’t be going to parades. We have to play hard and take care of our bodies.”
Despite starting off the playoff game at home, the Pirates had a mere 12-10 lead after the first period and a 26-24 deficit at the half. Guard Terrell Bailey knocked down three 3-point baskets along with Forward Kyran Laneaux hammering in 8 points for Pass Christian during the first half.
The second half for the Pirates provided a gut check. Seniors Laneaux and Dandy Dozen Guard Landon Hall combined for 22 points to give Pass Christian a 2-point lead after the third period 46-44. Pass Christian maintained poise winning the final period 18-11 including 12 points from Pirates Mario Burks.
Laneaux led all scorers with 20 points, Hall contributed 18 points and Burks finished with 12.
The Pirates will host Mendenhall (17-8, 5-5) at the Pass Christian High School Gymnasium Saturday, February 21, 2026 for the second round of the MHSAA 4A State Playoffs. The winner will advance to the state quarterfinals, which will be played at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College campus in Perkinston Friday, September 27.
Last week, Pass Christian beat Forrest County Agricultural High School (FCAHS) 68-49 for their third consecutive Region 8-4A Championship. Laneaux and Hall combined for 41 points and 20 rebounds. Kyran Laneaux was named Region 8-4A Co-Offensive MVP and Ellic Laneaux Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, Landen Hall, Amarie “Mo” James and Mario Burks were announced at All Region 8-4A.
Head Coach Robin Sikes, Jr. was named Region 8-4A Coach of the Year.
On Wednesday, February 18, Landen Hall was named Class 4A Mr. Basketball after the MHSAA announcement.
(Photos by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press)
