In key Region 4-6A matchups Tuesday night, both West Harrison Hurricanes basketball teams washed away the Picayune Maroon Tide at the West Harrison Gymnasium in Gulfport.
The girls game was over before it started, with the Lady Hurricanes dominating the glass and winning every quarter for a 62-42 victory.
Although the score of the boys game was closer, the Hurricanes held the Maroon Tide to only 14 points in the second half and won 44-36.
West Harrison boys 44, Picayune 36
While the offensive strategy appeared to be more on set plays rather than fast-break transition, West Harrison (12-9 overall, 5-1 in region) balanced the scoring.
With six players scoring from planned attacks all over the floor, the Hurricanes had a 14-11 lead after the first quarter and were tied 22-22 at the half.
Coming out of the gates for the second half, West Harrison began to challenge Picayune at half-court and the defensive scheme worked in the Hurricanes’ favor.
Picayune had multiple turnovers while committing 10 personal fouls in the second half, allowing West Harrison to get to the free-throw line.
West Harrison locked up key Picayune scorer Kelton Stewart, who had no second-half points.
Boosted by guard Logan Robinson’s five fourth-quarter points, the Hurricanes powered their way to the win.
West Harrison girls 62, Picayune 42
The Lady Hurricanes (20-2 overall, 5-1 in region) immediately stormed the Lady Maroon Tide as center Jalynn Applewhite scored the first eight points in the game for a 10-4 West Harrison lead at the end of the first quarter.
With six players scoring for the Tide in the second quarter, Picayune made an attempt to keep things close before Applewhite and teammate Sydnei Barber combined for 16 points as West Harrison went into the half with a 34-24 lead.
The Lady Hurricanes were on cruise control in the second half.
What the coaches said
“I felt like my guys played hard, which is what I asked for, but I also want them to play smart and we are growing into that,” said West Harrison boys coach Jeff Norwood, who is 35-44 after three years with the Hurricanes and coming off a 2024 Class 6A playoff upset of Hattiesburg.
“Our play in the second half was way better than the first, but we were a little less jittery as opposed to our last game against Picayune. Pascagoula is a tall task to get past in the district as the top seed but looking forward to the district tournament at Hancock next month.”
“I thought we started off a little slow, not as aggressive as I’d like, but in the second half, we were more aware of the boards and changed our focus,” said West Harrison girls coach Patty Norwood. “The points matter in each district game and girls basketball down South has gotten to become a lot more competitive.”
Under Patty Norwood, the Lady Hurricanes have been to the playoffs both of the last two years. Her record is 55-25 in three years.
The numbers never lie
The West Harrison boys had six scorers, but only two in double digits.
Guards Jamarcus McCalebb and Logan Robinson each finished with 10 points while combining for the Hurricanes’ four 3-point baskets.
Picayune’s only double-digit scorer was guard Jordan Hathorne with 10.
In the girls game, the Lady Hurricanes were led by Applewhite with 24 points and Barber with 16. Three others scored for West Harrison, but none in double digits.
Next up
Traveling down County Farm Road, West Harrison will play Exit 28 rival Long Beach in a key region matchup on Friday. Picayune will host region rival Hancock on Friday.
