With another win under their belt, the Coahoma County girls and boys basketball teams transitioned with ease into the second round of the playoffs. Both teams are no strangers to the territory as they are quite familiar with the trip to the state tournament at the Mississippi Coliseum.
Monday night, the Lady Red Panthers (25-4) had a huge win over Scott Central, 61-16. The boys had a similar result against Union on Tuesday night, winning 53-27.
In Monday’s girls game, Nyriah Artis finished with 18 point and Calysia Phillips 12 in the win against Scott Central.
The Coahoma County girls were defeated by Scott Central in the 2013-14 semifinals, have avenged the loss and are now looking to do the same at home in a much-anticipated match against Ingomar (32-3) at 7 p.m. Friday.
Ingomar knocked the Coahoma County girls out of the finals last year and went on to become back-to-back state champions.
“People are calling this team ‘the revenge troop,’” coach Derrick Moore said. “We get a chance to avenge everyone who’s beaten us over the last few years — including Leland.”
Red Panthers defeat Union
Defeating Union (21-7) Tuesday night in what appeared to be an effortless victory was a testament to the Coahoma County boys’ focus as they move forward with quite an impressive reputation backing them.
Moore didn’t play the starting lineup together in the matchup against Union, allowing the roster to be mixed up and giving the younger players experience at this level.
Senior Alshun Ross fired up the crowd with a halftime buzzer-hitter just shy of half court bringing the Red Panthers to 30 points.
When asked about the key to Tuesday night’s 53-27 victory, Moore stated, “We held Union to eight points for three quarters, and we played good, solid defense. When we play good defense, we’re hard to beat.”
The Red Panthers now hold a record of 26-3; including holding the title of district champions.
The Coahoma County boys basketball team will host New Site in round two of the Class 2A playoffs Saturday at 7 p.m.
