Leading up to last week’s Class 4A postseason opener against Yazoo City, Louisville (16-10) head coach Kenyon Ross implored his players not to take Yazoo City lightly. Sure, Yazoo City entered with just nine wins, but first-year Indians coach Anthony Carlyle boasts multiple state championships, and Ross was fully aware of Yazoo City’s progression.
The Wildcats heeded Ross’ words, as Louisville defeated Yazoo City 41-39 last Tuesday to advance to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.
“At first, (my players) had to get used to the style of play that Coach Carlyle plays because it’s kind of unorthodox and because we don’t see it that much,” Ross said. “The kids had to get adjusted to it. They kind of rushed a lot, missed a lot of easy shots the first half. The attention they were getting on the offense end was limited because of the way Coach Carlyle had his team prepared. In the second half, we settled down, pressed the ball a lot and got some easy baskets, and we kind of just made do with what we had.”
Tyrell Thames led the Wildcats in scoring with 16 points. Tequavious Braggs added 7 while Bryandrea Shumaker poured in 6.
Yazoo City’s Percy Green had a team-high 16 points.
Louisville was scheduled to play Caledonia Saturday in the second round, but the game was postponed until this Tuesday due tornado and flooding that affected the area.
Caledonia enters Tuesday’s trip to Louisville with a 23-7 record.
