Photo by Theresa Bolden Devore
Four West Union Eagles converge on H.W. Byers’ Michael Mabon (3) during Region 2-1A action on Tuesday of last week.
Photos by Theresa Bolden Devore
Chelsea Rayford (5) drives past a West Union player.
Taking shots for Byers are Lion Malik Glover (2) and Lady Lion Jakorien Hubbard (2).
Lions hang on to beat West Union
The H.W. Byers Lions wrapped up an exciting, early Christmas present at home December 19.
They celebrated a 71-70 win over District 2-1A foe West Union.
“It was a nail-biter game,” coach Kevin Jones said. “We had a 20-point lead but were outscored 35-18 in the fourth quarter which made it close.
“Our defense stepped up at the end to cause a turnover to seal the win.”
Leading the Lions offensively were KaDerious Rhyan with 24 points, Hunter Gomez with 17 and Michael Mabon with 16. Julian Moore followed with nine.
The Lady Lions had some second-half struggles and lost 73-52 to the Lady Eagles.
“It was a close game at the half,” Coach Jones said, “but then they played a prevent defense to keep our best player (Jakorien Hubbard) away from the ball. Our number two leading scorer (Myesha Buffington) fouled out early in the second half, so we were limited on offense.”
Hubbard scored 23 points. Chelsea Rayford added 10, Dallas Fitzpatrick nine and Buffington eight.
Lady Lions-S. Pontotoc
The Byers girls participated in the South Pontotoc Lady Cougar Christmas Classic on Monday, Dec. 18, and dropped an 84-38 decision to the host school.
“We looked sluggish and tired on the court,” he said. “We played only seven girls versus their 16. They had a nice rotation and we couldn’t get anything started.”
Hubbard was the leading scorer for the Lady Lions. She had 21.
The Lady Lions (2-8) and Lions (3-6) will break for the holidays and next visit district opponent Myrtle on Friday, Jan. 5. The Byers girls are 0-4 in the district and the Byers boys 3-1.