Indians get win over Hawks

The first clash of the season between two Marshall County rivals went the way of the school to the west.

The Byhalia Indians made the short bus ride to Holly Springs Tuesday night, Jan. 4, and left with a hard-fought 6763 win in Region 2-3A.

“We all know it’s a rivalry, regardless, but the district part is the most important,” said Derwin Cooper, head coach of the Indians.

His team improved to 2-0 in the district, while the Hawks went to 1-2.

Balanced scoring was a key for the Indians. Four were in double digits ­ RaMontrez Tuggles and Kanaan DeBerry with 18 each, Mario King with 13 and Jamarion Austin with 11.

DeBerry scored seven in the first quarter as Byhalia took a 16-13 advantage.

Holly High’s Ded’Drick Faulkner, who poured in a game-high 31 points, had nine in the opening eight minutes.

Byhalia was up 27-26 at halftime.

The Hawks used a 16-point third quarter to take a 42-40 lead going to the fourth.

It stayed tight in the fourth. The Indians nailed some crucial free throws and rallied to win by four.

Also in double-digit scoring for Holly High was Marquavous Jones with 11.

Andre Jones, head coach of the Hawks, said his squad had a poor shooting night, going five of 29 from beyond the three-point line and eight of 19 from the free-throw stripe.

“Overall, we fought hard,” he said. “We took care of the basketball (only nine turnovers). We just couldn’t make the shots.”

Coach Cooper, on the other hand, said his Indians put together a complete game.

“We played together as a team,” he said. “I’m proud of my guys. They went on the road and got a key win. We shot it well from the free-throw line. It’s district-time, and we need to keep the momentum going.”

The Byhalia Lady Indians and Holly Springs Lady Hawks did not play due to COVID protocol involving the Holly High team.

The Lady Indians (4-10 overall and 1-0 in the district) and the Indians (5-10 overall and 20) visited district foe North Panola on Monday of this week and then visited Southwind (Tenn.) Tuesday. Next Tuesday, Jan. 18, they host Independence in district action.

The Lady Hawks (2-10 overall and 0-2 in the district) and the Hawks (4-10 overall and 1-2 in the district) visited Rosa Fort in district play on Tuesday. They will host district opponent North Panola Friday, and then host Olive Branch January 18.