Photo by DeMill Dixon
Anthony Johnson takes a jump shot over the outstretched arms of a Yazoo County player.
Photos by DeMill Dixon
DaQuan Smith collides with a Yazoo player as he takes his shot.
Cori Bell (15) goes in for a short shot against Yazoo County.
Hawks win in round one
The Holly Springs Hawks used defense to light the fire in round one of the Class 3A basketball playoffs.
The Hawks eliminated Yazoo County 73-65 on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at home.
“After a slow start and a lot of missed opportunities in the first quarter, we turned up the defensive intensity to speed our opponent up and win the rest of the quarters,” coach Sylvester Kilgore said.
Holly High was scheduled to host Booneville Saturday night in round two. Due to weather conditions, the game was moved to this past Tuesday. The winner advances to the state quarter-finals in Jackson. Holly High is seeking its fourth straight trip to the capital city.
The Hawks trailed Yazoo County 26-16 after the first period last week but sliced the deficit to just two, 34-32, at the half. They outscored the Panthers 19-16 in the third and 22-15 in the fourth to win by eight.
Leading contributors for Holly High were DaQuan Smith with 20 points, seven rebounds and four steals, Daveon Miller with 13 points and seven rebounds, Anthony Johnson with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Cornelious Bridgeforth with 11 points and nine rebounds.
“Credit Yazoo County for sticking to their plan of slowing it down, doubling and trapping DaQuan Smith,” Kilgore said. “We had huge games from Anthony Johnson, Daveon Miller and Cornelious Bridgeforth, plus major contributions from Rahmon Rutherford.
“Thanks to Hawk nation for willing us to victory in some adverse situations in the contest.”
With the win over Yazoo County, Holly High improved its season record to 20-9.
The state quarter-final game for the Hawks, with a win over Booneville, will be Saturday at 12 noon versus Crystal Springs.