Byers ends the season in 1A semi-finals

The Lions historic season got better as the season went along. The Lions knew the season winning 22 consecutive games but they knew it wouldn’t be complete without bringing the gold ball home.

All the momentum was in Byers favor after a thrilling win in the quarterfinals vs. Biggersville High School, which defeated the Lions in the 2022 1A championship game.

The Lions took on McEvans High School Warriors from Shaw with a trip to the 1A state finals on the line in Jackson at the Mississippi Coliseum Monday, Feb. 27.

The Trojans opened the game in a zone defense, looking to slow down the Byers offensive attack. It took a while for the Lions offense to get going, but they would take the lead before the end of the first quarter, 14-13. When it seemed the Lions had the Trojans tough defense figured out, the Trojans took control of the second quarter going in front 26-18.

The last two quarters were a game of cat and mouse

between the two teams, but Byers never got out of the hole, losing the Mississippi High School Activities Association 1A Semi-Final 80-69.

Byers shot 43 percent from the field but committed 24 turnovers. James led all scorers with 26 points.

“As always, our kids played hard, we just couldn’t get past our turnovers,” said coach Fred Stafford. “We had a heck of a season and I’m very proud of this Lions basketball team.”

The Lions historic season finally ended on the biggest stage in Mississippi. The Lions winning streak ended at 22 games.