The opening round of the 2015 Misssissippi High School Athletic Association basketball playoffs tipped off this week, and both the Poplarville boys’ and girls’ squads were in action.
The Hornets advanced from their district tournament as a number three seed and traveled to Newton County to take on the 17-11 Cougars Tuesday. The game was tied 54-54 with only seconds remaining when a Hornets foul on the offensive boards led to free throws for Newton County. The Cougars sank both free throws with 1.8 seconds left to play and clinched the victory by the score of 56-54. Poplarville was playing without sophomore forward Tyler Griffin, who missed the game due to a broken nose. Hornets Head Coach Chareck Cable said his team improved throughout the season, and they are only graduating three seniors from this year’s squad. Cable said he wants his team to understand the importance of preparation and being consistent heading into next season. Cable stressed the need for direct and vocal leadership from his guards in the future.
The Lady Hornets also advanced to the first round of the playoffs after earning the number four seed during their district tournament.
The Poplarville girls took on the top-seeded Lady Panthers from Quitman and lost 55-21 during Monday’s game. The Lady Hornets are young and will not be losing any seniors from this year’s squad.
With the addition of playoff berths in both girls’ and boys’ basketball, Poplarville High School has now sent four athletic teams to their respective post-seasons during this academic year.