Byhalia Indians heads to ‘The Big House’

After winning the district tournament championship, the Indians have been red hot during the last month. The Indians took on the Nettleton Tigers, a top 5 team in 3A all this season. The teams faced off at a neutral location at Ittawamba Community College in Fulton.

The Indians put the first six points on the board and Nettleton Tigers called a timeout. Then the Tigers pulled ahead with a score of 38-31 at half-time.

The Indians and Tigers spent most of the second half trading baskets, but it wouldn’t be until the fourth quarter that both teams picked up the intensity.

With closing seconds in the fourth quarter down to the final seconds, Nettleton made the necessary shot to get them into overtime with Byhalia.

Despite a close competitive game, it would be Byhalia winning with a final score of 82-80.

“Friday night was a great atmosphere for my guys to step up and show that there’s no quit in them as a team,” said Coach Derwin ‘D.’ Cooper. “After my two bigs fouled out and the lead scorer benched, my bench show up and played very well.”

The Byhalia Indians will go up against Southeast Lauderdale at ‘The Big House’ in Jackson in the semi-final 3A championship round Wednesday, March 1, at 1:30 p.m.

“Going to The Big House is an excellent experience for my guys to enjoy. This is my second final four appearances in five years,” said coach Cooper. “We are just taking it one game at a time.”