Former Poplarville standout Bretta Hart is a big part of an historic run.

Hart started for three seasons for the Lady Hornets, before transferring to Bay High before the start of her senior season. The 6-foot-2 center has stepped right in with the Lady Tigers and now Bay High is on the verge of making history.

The Lady Tigers are hosting the Class 4A South State Tournament, and began action in the event Thursday afternoon with a 73-31 smashing of Lawrence County.

The win pushes top-ranked Bay High to a perfect 32-0 on the year. The Lady Tigers will face Quitman at 6 p.m., tonight here in the Tigerdome with a spot in the overall Class 4 state tournament on the line.

Against Lawrence County, Bay High jumped out to a 17-0 lead and led 34-12 at halftime, and like many of their 32 wins this season Hart and her teammates weren’t really threatened.

Hart had an outstanding effort, scoring 25 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, blocking six shots and handing out four assists. Christa Reed added 23 points to the winning effort.

Hart has combined with the junior standout Reed to provide Bay High with one of the most potent one-two combinations in the state. Reed averages 23 points per game, while Hart has been a dominant force in the paint as she averages a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds per contest. She also averages six blocks per game.

Hart was honored before the season started being selected to the prestigious Dandy Dozen squad as picked annually by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.

Bay High is just one of three hotbed spots for prep basketball across South Mississippi tonight and Saturday night, as the Class 5A Boys South State takes pace at West Harrison High and the Class 6A boys  South State is taking place at St. Martin High.

West Harrison, which swept its way through the field in Division 8-5A that included both Picayune and Pearl River Central, faces Pascagoula tonight while Wayne County faces McComb in the other semifinal.

The 6A event is an all Coast affair, as St. Martin meets Gulfport and Harrison Central faces Biloxi.

St. Martin is one win away from its first-ever berth in the state basketball tournament,

Pascagoula is one win away from a third straight trip to the state tournament.