Choctaw County rallied from a 14-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to within two points of North Panola in the opening round of the MHSAA3A playoffs, but came up short in a 74-67 loss, ending the Chargers' season.
“It was one of our better games,” said Choctaw County coach Gary Beals.
A couple of three-point baskets cut the deficit to 69-67 in the final minute. Cedquavious Hunter made a basket for North Panola to increased the lead to four and the Cougars added three free throws as the Chargers were forced to foul. Beals said the Chargers were trying to deny Hunter, but he was able to get to the basket.
Hunter, a sophomore, scored 38 points, enabling North Panola to hold off the Choctaw County rally.
“He's going to be a good one. He's as quick as anybody I have ever seen.”
Tray Jobe and Tylan Carter scored 16 points each for Choctaw County, Zay Coleman had 15 and Jared Bellew 11. Beals said Jobe probably had his best game of the season, but he said everyone played well.
“They played as well as we can play. They gave us a chance. I feel like we were competitive. That's all you can ask at this point.”
He especially had praise for the team's five seniors – Jobe, Bellew, Kendall Coleman, Israel Whitmore and Chris White.
Beals was pleased with the season and the play of his team. “I hope they look back on it in 10 years and realize that we might not have a championship, but it's going to be a life-hanging experience, and that's what team sports does.”
