Bank of Holly Springs

MA boys pick up road win

The Marshall Academy Patriots won a nail-biter at Greenville Christian Monday night, Nov. 19.

Everette Jones came through in the clutch. His driving lay-up lifted coach Jeremy Ervin’s squad to a thrilling 46-44 win.

“Maintaining composure down the stretch and executing effectively in that environment said a lot about my guys,” he said.

Jones led the way with 11 points. Drayton Potts added 10 and Phillip Parks nine.

“Sam Greer did a great job running the show,” Ervin said. “He stayed cool and calm, handled the ball and made a couple of key plays with assists and penetrating the zone to open up shots for other people. A point guard like him is an invaluable piece.”

He said the Saints packed their defense down, forcing the Patriots to shoot from the outside.

“That’s an adjustment they made after we scored 19 points in the first quarter,” Ervin said. “After their adjustment, we had a five-point second quarter.

“Shooting from outside can be hot and cold, and we’ve had two cold games in a row (versus Magnolia Heights, too). I fully expect us to bounce back in that area the next time we’re up.

“A road win at Greenville Christian is definitely a good win to bounce back after the Magnolia Heights loss.”

The Marshall Academy Lady Patriots fell 54-39 to the Lady Saints.

“It just felt like there was a lid on the basket all night,” Ervin said about the loss. “I always tell the girls that offense is hot and cold and Greenville Christian was evidence of that, because as cold as we were, they were on the other end of the spectrum – burning up hot.”

Kaylan Parks was the top gun for MA with 18 points.

The Lady Patriots missed 15 free throws.

“That is one thing we can control, and that’s an area where we have to improve drastically,” Ervin said.

He said his MA girls were also riddled with foul trouble and missing one starter, Peyton Stephenson, due to an injury.

“Freshman Evelyn Greer stepped in and gave us some quality minutes,” Ervin said. “She is going to be an asset to this program for a while.”

The Lady Patriots (2-2) and Patriots (2-1) will next visit Columbus Christian Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Holly Springs South Reporter

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