Choctaw County boys basketball coach Gary Beals termed he 12th Mid Mississippi Challenge basketball tournament hosted by the Chargers a success. With 10 games beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday and lasting more than 13 hours, the gym was packed most of the day.
“It was just a group effort from all the coaches to make it a success,” Beals said. He added that the visiting schools contributed to the local economy.
Fans were treated to some exciting basketball with three games decided by two points. Choctaw County girls got the day off to a good start for the local fans, edging East Webster 47-45 in the opening game.
Other scores are as follows: Philadelphia girls 57, Kossuth 48; Louisville boys 57, East Webster 55; Puckett girls 51, Booneville 46; Pearl girls 58, Pontotoc 49; Ingomar girls 40, Louisville 38; Starkville boys 87, Booneville 25; Coahoma County boys 51, Choctaw Central 44; Holmes County Central girls 68, Coahoma County 42; and Choctaw Central girls 59, New Site 47.
the Coahoma County boys (2A), Choctaw Central girls (3A) and Ingomar girls (2A) are defending state champions. Pearl (20-1) is the state’s top ranked girls team according to the website MaxPreps.
Beals acknowledged the contribution of tournament sponsors — Dakota Brasher Alfa Insurance Agency, Crowson Auto World, MGM Machinery, the Molina family and the Choctaw County Booster Club.
