South Pike’s 78-51 victory over Purvis Tuesday night in the opening round of the boys’ Region 7-4A basketball tournament sets up a third meeting with top-seeded McComb.
The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in 4A and No. 2 overall in the Clarion-Ledger Super 10 poll. South Pike, 17-10 overall, is winless in two tries against the Tigers. South Pike lost 99-46 in the Tiger Den earlier this season and closed the regular season with an 84-68 loss in Magnolia last Friday.
Still, South Pike head coach Joe Taylor said he welcomes Thursday night’s opportunity. McComb had an opening-round bye through Tuesday’s action.
“Usually from every game you learn something about your opponent,” Taylor said. “I hope we learned something from those two games. Coaches say it’s hard to beat a team three times.”
Regardless of Thursday’s outcome against McComb, South Pike earned the right to advance to the South State playoffs next week after its third win in as many tries against Purvis, which finished 7-18 overall.
“We are proud of the fact that we've made the playoffs,” Taylor said. “This time last year we were 5-22 and out of the playoffs.”
Against Purvis, the Eagles started out slow but quickly turned up the volume. The Eagles led 37-22 at halftime and led 56-41 after three quarters.
South Pike led 43-22 roughly 90 seconds into the third quarter on two consecutive baskets by senior forward Desmond Cook, who finished with a game-high 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field. He also grabbed seven rebounds.
But Purvis sharpshooter Cornelius Bolar hit on two 3-pointers and the Tornadoes got other baskets off South Pike turnovers.
For the game, South Pike shot 25-for-70 and was 7-of-16 from the charity stripe.
Senior guard Jarod Green finished with 11 points and had eight rebounds. Senior point guard Derrick Horton had 10 points. Sophomore center Tar'Vorious Wiliams, who was recently moved up from junior varsity, blocked five shots and scored eight points. The 6-foot-3 Williams was playing in his 10th varsity game.
“Desmond had a quiet 25 points,” Taylor said. “He hasn't been shooting the ball well lately, but it was one of his better shooting nights.”
Taylor said the Eagles played better as the game went along.
“We had nine turnovers the first half and only three the second half,” Taylor said. “We took care of the ball the second half. The guys played with a lot of intensity tonight. One thing on their mind was that they wanted to make it to the playoffs. They also wanted another shot at McComb. Those two things pushed them.”
McComb, Region 7-4A tournament semifinals, 8:30 p.m. Thursday at SMCC
