Coahoma Early College High School lost just one regular season game, but the playoffs is when it really counts.
The Tigers (27-1) were up to the challenge Tuesday night with an 87-36 home victory against Belmont High School in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. They host Holly Springs at 6 p.m. Saturday.
CECHS jumped out to a 21-0 lead against Belmont and never looked back.
“We needed that,” said Tigers coach Corney George of the fast start. “I just told them it starts here. They were aggressive. They were zoned in. They were ready and prepared to play. We’re playing how we’re supposed to be playing right now. I’m very confident.”
Tre Payno led the way with 21 points, Willie Eagins Jr. had 16, Thomas Williams Jr. and Trevion Jackson added 13 each, and Jermell Daniels contributed 5.
The Tigers also won the district tournament championship in Humphreys County.
CECHS defeated Ruleville Central 70-55 in the championship Friday.
Payno had 22 points, Thomas Williams Jr. had 12, Jackson had 11, Hertavious Williams had 10, Eagins had 6, Daniels had 4, Corey Suggs had 3, and Tylan Martin had 2.
CECHS defeated Humphreys County 67-45 in the first game of the tournament.
Eagins and Hertavious Williams had 14 points each, Payno had 13, Thomas Williams Jr. had 11, Martin had 6, Daniels had 5, and Jackson had 4.
Lady Tigers eliminated in
first round of playoffs
The CECHS girls earned a playoff spot by defeating Winona in the first game of the district tournament 29-24.
Aaliyah Davis led the way with 9 points and Zykha Blanch had 6, Carlisa Miles had 5, Ariyanna Simpson had 3, and Jakedra Lemon and Cebesha Brunt had 2 each.
The Lady Tigers lost to Amanda Elzy in the first game of the tournament 35-23.
Davis led the way with 13 points.
Blanch had 7 points in a 57-32 loss to Ruleville Central in the tournament.
The Lady Tigers’ season came to an end with a 73-38 loss at Belmont High School Monday.
Davis led CECHS with 10 points.
