The hot-shooting Hancock Hawks and Lady Hawks opened region play Friday night, combining to make 19 of their 3-point shots in sweeping George County at home in Kiln.
The Hawks won 42-25 while the unbeaten Lady Hawks cruised 59-21.
Coach Jamie Sisco’s Lady Hawks hit their first six shots of the night as they improved to 9-0 on the season and are considered a serious contender to make a run at a 6A state championship.
“We shot the ball extremely well right out the gate tonight,” Sisco said. “As a team, we are hitting about 40 percent of our 3’s and tonight we shot them extremely well.”
Brooklyn Cuevas led Hancock’s first-quarter onslaught, scoring 11 of her team-leading 13 points in the quarter, including three 3’s.
Talena Bond joined Cuevas in double figures with 11 points while Anslee James chipped in with nine.
Hancock led 24-5 at the end of the first quarter and 39-8 at the half.
Sisco emptied his bench as 10 Lady Hawks scored in the game.
Hailee Stringer scored five points for the Lady Rebels, who fell to 6-5.
The boys contest saw the home team continue the hot shooting as Hancock hit 11 of its 3-pointers on the night while only making four two-point baskets.
It was the first region win for the Hawks in more than a year as they moved out of a region that included Coast basketball powers Biloxi, Harrison Central and Gulfport.
Donte Taylor led the Hawks with 14 points, including four 3’s, while Kaison Koenenn chipped in with 13 points.
Koennen hit three 3-pointers as the Hawks built a 22-11 halftime lead and maintained their double-digit lead throughout the second half.
The Hawks improved to 4-7.
George County continued its offensive struggles as the Rebels managed only 31 points earlier in the week in a loss at Stone.
No Rebel scored in double figures against the Hawks. Marlin Odom led the way with seven points. Deuce Knight added five, all in the third quarter, as Hancock kept the junior quiet the rest of the night.
“We are just struggling to put the ball in the basket,” said Rebels coach Terry Bradley. “We continue to get some good looks at the basket but until we see some shots fall, it is going to be difficult.”
The Rebels are now 3-7 and return to region play Tuesday night at Pascagoula. Hancock is also on the road Tuesday night as the Hawks travel to Picayune.
