Tyius Jennings poured in 35 points and snagged 15 rebounds to help the Calhoun City Wildcats overcome a sluggish first half and defeat Newton 83-73 Friday afternoon in the Mississippi Coliseum to advance to the Class 2A semifinals Tuesday.
“I think Tyius kept us in the game until everybody else could get going,” Calhoun City Coach Daren Coffey said. “Once everybody else got going in the second half, it became more of a team effort on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.”
The Wildcats trailed by as many as 12 in the first half, but Jennings’ 19 first half points kept ‘City close.
“I think we were adjusting to these rims in the first half,” Jennings said. “In the second half we played more of our game.”
“The first half we didn’t play with a whole lot of intensity,” Coach Coffey said. “The second half we started communicating, playing our style.”
The Wildcats opened the third period with a 17-7 run, sparked by their defense. A three-pointer from Jennings put the ‘Cats in front, but both teams would exchange the lead several times the rest of the third period.
Jennings, Brieton Sykes, who finished with 13 points, and Ladavius Draine, who scored 16, started getting to the basket at will and dominating on the glass. In addition to Jennings’ 15 boards, Draine pulled down a dozen and center Jarvis Heard had nine to go with 12 points.
Point guard Isaiah Edwards led Newton with 18 points.
The Wildcats will next face Coahoma AHS at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Baldwyn and West Tallahatchie will meet in the other 2A semifinal.
"We feel good coming off this game," Jennings said. "We got that win in Jackson we had been wanting. Now we need to see if we can get two more and take home that state championship."
