The Lady Tide deciphered the Lady Tigers’ full-court press, notching 13 quick points in the first quarter. However, Hattiesburg turned on the offensive pressure to win the district championship 45-41.

“Hattiesburg is very well-coached and makes you play their game. But we have been waiting for a rematch since last time we met and I am proud of how we stood up to them and attacked,” Picayune Head Coach Toby Bush said.

Previously, Picayune lost both matchups against Hattiesburg by a combined 38 points.

The momentum seemed to shift after every quarter during Friday’s championship bout, which started in Picayune’s favor after the Lady Tide forced Hattiesburg to break out of its press by scoring 13 points. Then it was Hattiesburg with the offensive rhythm, scoring 13 points of its own in the second quarter to take a 22-20 lead going into halftime. Picayune’s Miracle Banks led the team with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists halfway through the championship game.

In the end, the teams were neck-and-neck, starting with Hattiesburg leading 40-38 with less than two minutes to go. Then, Banks slung a pass to Tailesha Quinn to tie the game. Hattiesburg quickly responded as Terralyn Ulmer hit the front end of a pair of free throws, giving the Lady Tigers a 41-40 lead.

Following a couple of free throws from both teams, Hattiesburg had the ball as the scoreboard read 43-41 with 10.7 seconds to go. After Ulmer made one out of two free throws, Picayune had the opportunity to tie the game with a 3-pointer, but gave up the ball with 1.8 seconds to go.

“The loss is tough, but we have to keep our heads held high. We now know we can compete with some of the best teams in the state. We have been taking baby steps to where we want to be, but tonight we took a giant step,” Bush said.

Camille Culpepper finished the game with 18 rebounds while notching two assists and two steals along with four points. Alanna Smith finished the game with 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.

After the game, All-District players from both teams were announced. Picayune’s Culpepper, Smith and Banks were named All-District. Lady Tiger’s Ulmer was awarded All-District Offensive Player of the Year and Hattiesburg Head Coach Caronica DeBose Jackson was awarded the District Coach of the Year.

Picayune will face South Jones in the first round. The winner will then face Natchez on Friday at 7 p.m.