Home for the Holiday’s has taken on a new meaning for Picayune’s basketball team during the Christmas break.

The Maroon Tide won its eighth straight game Tuesday night, five of those either at Kelly Wise Gym or just down the road at Hancock High in the past two weeks, as Picayune dispatched visiting Bay High 67-55 in Division 8-4A play.

The win not only moves first year head coach Daniel Kennedy’s crew to 15-2 overall, but 3-1 in league play as well. The Maroon Tide’s home success has also vaulted it into the Top Ten statewide as ranked by The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, as the team is ranked 10th in the latest Super 10 poll.

“I’m pleased with the record, to be where we are is a little suprising to me,” Kennedy said. “But we can get a lot better. The record is good, but we can play a lot better.”

The Maroon Tide jumped out to a quick start Tuesday night against the visiting Tigers, taking a 32-11 lead at halftime.

“We played really well in the first half, and I was proud of that,” Kennedy added. “We just have to learn to close the game.”

The Maroon Tide got up by almost 30 points in the second half, before settling in on the win.

“We got sloppy and quit doing the little things that you have to do to win,” Kennedy said. “But we were ahead, and sometimes you lose focus a little.”

Chris Dees scored a game high 21 to lead Picayune to the win, while Wayne Mickel added 16 to the winning cause and Brandon Fortenberry chipped in with eight.Picayune now hosts Pass Christian on Friday, in one of the biggest basketball games in the state so far this season. The Pirates are ranked eighth in the Super 10 Poll, and stand 14-2 on the year.

The Maroon Tide knocked off Pass Chsristian earlier this season on the road, handing the Pirates their first loss of the year.

“It’s a huge game for us,” Kennedy concluded.