Bank of Holly Springs
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Photos by Barry Burleson
Rahmon Rutherford (24) scores two points versus the Coahoma AHS Tigers Friday night at home.

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Ashanta Aldridge (back) battles a couple of Coahoma AHS players for possession of the basketball.

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Courtesy photo
DaQuan Smith was named the Most Outstanding Player for the  Hawks in their game versus Bartlett, Tenn., Saturday in the Hotbed Classic.

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Photos by Barry Burleson
Cori Bell (15) moves the basketball near midcourt as a Coahoma AHS Tiger applies some pressure.

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Jada Dowdy (23) goes to the goal for a lay-up as a Lady Tiger arrives too late.

Holly High splits with Ashland

• Teams sweep Coahoma AHS

The outcomes were different the second time around when rivals Holly Springs and Ashland met on the basketball court Tuesday of last week.

The Holly High girls and the Ashland boys avenged losses from earlier in the season.

The Class 3A Lady Hawks rallied in the second half for a 49-34 road victory over the 1A Lady Blue Devils January 23.

“We were down 20-18 at the half,” coach Andre Jones said. “The girls played hard as a team defensively in the second half. That opened up more scoring opportunities and we maximized on them.

“I’m proud of my seniors who played a crucial part in our victory. They lead by example.”

Shretta Jeffries led the way with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jada Dowdy had 14 points. Ashanta Aldridge added nine points. Other top rebounders were Kaila King with eight and Arriyunna Washington with seven.

For Ashland, Cherica Cheairs scored nine and Teleah Reaves eight.

It was the DeAnthony Tipler show in the second game of the night as he led the Blue Devils to a 73-60 win over the Hawks.

Tipler scored 40 points and also had six rebounds, six assists and two steals.

“Congratulations to two-time state champion Ashland and Coach Tipler on a championship effort, especially in the fourth quarter,” said Sylvester Kilgore, head coach of the Hawks. “Not to mention, they got a stellar performance from their all-star player, DeAnthony Tipler.”

Ashland outscored Holly High 23-13 in the first quarter and 19-12 in the fourth.

Ocquavion Agyekum had 19 points, 10 rebounds and six steals for the Devils.

Top performers for the Hawks were Cori Bell with 22 points. Ladarius Stinson with 12 points and four rebounds and Cornelious Bridgeforth with 10 points and seven rebounds. All-star player DaQuan Smith did not play in the game.

“Ashland took advantage of our miscues and kept us at bay,” Coach Kilgore said.

The Hawks committed 19 turnovers.

“Good luck to our neighbors the rest of the way,” he said, “as we split the season series, 1-1, with both teams winning at home.”

Holly High-Coahoma

Holly Springs teams swept Region 2-3A foe Coahoma AHS Friday night at home.

Coach Andre Jones’ Lady Hawks were in total control from the opening tip as they tamed the Lady Tigers to the tune of a 61-25 final.

It was the Holly High girls’ first district win of the season.

Jeffries had some key first-quarter baskets as the Lady Hawks surged ahead 16-4. Washington hit back-to-back shots to make it 30-7 late in the first. The lead was 34-7 at intermission.

The rout continued in the third. Samantha Johnson had consecutive baskets to up the advantage to 55-19 following three quarters.

Jeffries was the leading scorer with 13 points, 11 of those in the first half. Dowdy added 12 and Johnson 10. Ten Lady Hawks scored in the game.

The nightcap kept fans from both sides on the edge of their seats. The Holly High boys, who led most of the way, held on for a 70-64 win.

“We got an all-important district win versus arguably one of the top teams in our district,” Kilgore said. “We gave a consistent effort and stepped up with our rebounding, defense and free-throw percentage, along with excellent execution on offense to close out the win.”

Rahmon Rutherford hit a three to put the Hawks up 18-14 at the end of the first period. In the second, Holly High went zero for five from the charity stripe and fell behind 31-28.

Smith opened the third in style. He drilled a three and then dunked on a fast break to put Holly High on top 33-31 and bring the home fans to their feet. He added another three and another slam later in the third. The Hawks were up 49-45 after three quarters.

The fourth was a nail-biter. Daveon Miller hit some clutch free throws in the fourth. Bell had a big three-point play, and Stinson scored on an assist from Smith to seal the deal.

Smith poured in a game-high 28. Bell was next with 16. The top rebounder was Miller with 12.

Hotbed Classic

The Hawks went to New Albany Saturday to play in the prestigious Hotbed Classic. They dropped a hard-fought 67-63 decision to big school Bartlett, Tenn.

Holly High trailed 15-13 after one quarter. It was tied at 30 at the half. Bartlett had a big third, going up 51-41. A Hawks’ rally try in the fourth fell short.

“It was a packed house and electric environment,” Kilgore said. “It was a roller coaster ride type of a game. Bartlett won the battle on the boards and the free-throw battle.

“We closed the gap with some major defensive stops and timely field goals but just ran out of time and opportunities.”

Smith, named the Hawks’ Most Outstanding Player of the game, finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Rutherford scored 16. Johnson had 12 points and four assists. Miller grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Lady Hawks (5-13 overall and 1-3 in the district) and the Hawks (12-8 overall and 4-0 in the district) visited Independence Tuesday.

They host M.S. Palmer Friday and visit North Panola Saturday. Next Tuesday, Feb. 6, they go to Water Valley. All are district games.

Holly Springs South Reporter

P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
PH: (662) 252-4261
FAX: (662) 252-3388
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