The Choctaw County boys basketball team began 2020 with a 66-59 loss to Choctaw Central and a 56-50 win over Okolona.
“We’re getting better,” said coach Gary Beals.
Jared Bellew scored 18 points and Zavier Coleman 15 for the Chargers against Choctaw Central. Israel Whitmore had a game high eight rebounds. Treundes Willis scored 20 points for Choctaw Central, a strong 4A team.
After trailing Okolona 26-25 at the half, the Chargers took the lead by holding the Chieftains to six points in the third quarter and led by 14 in the fourth quarter.
“We didn’t finish very well,” Beals said. “We’re going to have to learn to finish games, make free throws down the stretch. We missed some free throws and we missed some block outs toward the end. I have to get the pieces together by the time we play district (4-3A). We open with the best team in the district.”
That’s Houston in a home game next Tuesday.
Tylan Carter led the Chargers against Okolona with 16 points on seven of 11 shooting, eight rebounds and four steals. Trey Jobe scored 13 points. Dy’Kwan Johnson had 13 points to lead Okolona.
GIRLS
The Lady Chargers ran into the state’s top-ranked team and the result was a 66-27 loss to Choctaw Central. LaGenesis Johnson led Choctaw County with eight points.
It was the team’s first game in more than two weeks and coach Mandy Jewell said the Lady Chargers were rusty, while also acknowledging that Choctaw Central is a good team.
“We are playing well as a team. I am pleased with team chemistry and awareness of our weaknesses, We have worked out many kinks during these last 13 games and the players have learned and embraced their role on the team to be successful.”
The Chargers and Lady Charger have games Thursday at Starkville Academy. Scheduled games with Noxubee County for Friday have been canceled.
