CARRIERE — In the beginning of Tuesday night’s game, both teams spent time feeling each other out, focusing more on defensive stops than connecting on offense. However, the Lady Tide’s defensive schemes, from a 3-2 zone to man defense, troubled the Lady Tomcats, ending in a 41-24 victory for Picayune.

After Tuesday’s game, Picayune’s Head Coach Toby Bush said, “If you can force your opponent to score an average of 10 points per quarter, that’s a good goal to have.”

Against the Lady Tomcats, Picayune allowed an average of six points per quarter, including a total of 14 points after three quarters of action.

The young Picayune squad found its groove recently, winning five of the past seven games and cemented a spot in the district tournament championship.

“I said it from the beginning that we were going to be a late, upcoming team because of our youth. This season might have been up and down for us, but the experiences we went through are paying off now,” Bush said.

Alanna Smith led the Lady Tide with 13 points and seven rebounds. Camille Culpepper finished the first game with eight points, eight rebounds and two steals.

Now, Picayune will face a Hattiesburg team that has yet to lose to a district opponent this year. Notorious for its aggressive and effective press, the Lady Tigers will look to reap the same results from its previous meetings against Picayune earlier this season.

“This will be the true test for us. We have absolutely got to limit our turnovers against them. They have a great team and push the tempo to make you play their game,” Bush said. “They have been playing better, but we are playing better too.”

The Lady Tide will take on the Lady Tigers on Friday in a contest for the district tournament trophy. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m. at PRC’s gym.