The Pass High Pirates (7-2) overcame a six-point halftime deficit to defeat West Harrison 52-50 in Gulfport on Friday night. The Pirates would outscore the home team 19-11 in the third quarter and took a 41-39 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Pirates trailed the Hurricanes 28-22 at halftime, but they would get on track with two Anthony James’ three-pointers in the third quarter for a total of eight points in the period and another three-pointer from Brendan Necaise along with a pair of two-pointers for seven points in the period.
“We changed up our defensive pressure and that seemed to throw them off a little, and we were able to get some better looks after that,” said Pass High coach Buddy Kennedy about his team’s third-quarter success.
The Pirates’ third-quarter momentum was just enough for them to secure the win as both teams scored eleven points in the fourth quarter.
“I definitely think our best basketball is ahead of us,” said Kennedy. “We’ve had five kids come off the football field, and we’re trying to integrate them into what we’re doing. We’ve got a ways to go to get on stride, but I think we’ll be real solid when we do.”
The Pirates were led by Lauren Jaynes with 14 points, followed by Necaise with 13 points, and James with 12 points.
Kameron Bolden led the Hurricanes with 16 points, including two three-pointers. Javon McCalebb added 9 points on three 3-pointers.
The Pirates play at Spanish Fort on Saturday and at Gulfport on Tuesday.
West Harrison Lady Hurricanes 42-39 over Pass High Lady Pirates
The Lady Hurricanes (2-7) took a 21-15 lead into halftime, but the Lady Pirates (3-7) would come back and outscore them 16-10 in the third quarter to end the period in a 31-31 tie.
The Lady Hurricanes would outscore the Lady Pirates 11-8 in the fourth quarter to get the 42-39 win.
Sophomore Sydnei Barber would lead the Lady Hurricanes in the fourth quarter with seven of their eleven points in the period. She finished with 13 points to lead the Lady Hurricanes. Taylor Rae Norwood and Miranda Parker each contributed seven points.
Kamaiya Pruitt led Pass High with 19 points, followed by Ariana Crimm with 11 points.
West Harrison resumes play against St. Patrick at home on Tuesday. The Lady Pirates play on the road at Gulfport on Tuesday.
