Hawks, Cardinals advance

Road wins in a playoff environment are tough but the one Potts Camp got Saturday night ranks even higher up the scale.

The Cardinals went into Rolling Fork and snatched an 83-77 state playoff victory over the South Delta Bulldogs. It sends them to the Class 2A quarter-finals this Thursday night at Mississippi Valley State versus Calhoun City.

“We won a game in arguably the toughest environment we have played in since I have been here,” coach Jeremy Dillard said. “It was a big win.”

Potts Camp took a 58-57 lead to the final quarter and then actually fell behind with under four minutes remaining.

But Martavious Frost and Mitchell Saulsberry turned the momentum down the stretch as the Cards won by six.

Saulsberry had 15 of his 29 points in the fourth. Frost had six in the fourth, including a dunk. He finished with 12 points.

Three other Potts Camp players also scored in double figures – Jaquives Muse with 16, including nine in the first period; Walter Hamilton with 14, including a pair of threes; and Kedavian Faulkner with 10.

The Cardinals came out of the starting gate on fire, building a 23-12 lead after one quarter. They were up 41-37 at the half.

They next face the Wildcats, a team they beat 92-82 earlier in the season, at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Itta Bena.

A year ago, Potts Camp advanced all the way to the final four, then in Class 1A.

“We’re glad to be in the state quarter-finals again,” said Dillard, whose team is 22-8 on the season. “We face a familiar opponent. We will have to play our best game yet. They will be aiming for us.

“We have to stay focused and be ready for their pressure and hopefully take the next step in the journey.

“We really want a chance to redeem ourselves from what happened last year. It’s one game at a time. Right now, we’re completely fo cused on Calhoun City, and what we need to do to play our best game yet.”

With a win Thursday, the Cards move on to Jackson for the “Final Four.” The state championship game this year will be played at Ole Miss.

Round one

The Cardinals, with Sauls - berry and Hamilton combining for 42 points, dominated Leland 76-55 in round one of the post-season on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at home.

Saulsberry poured in a game-high 22 points, 11 in each half. Hamilton followed with 20, including four threes.

Potts Camp grabbed control of the contest early, going up 24-9 at the end of the first quarter. They led 43-25 at the halfway point and coasted to the 21-point victory over the Cubs.