As 2020 paved the way into 2021, Senatobia has spent the last week of the year and the first week of the new year on an impressive winning streak.
After sweeping the competition in the Collierville Dragon Fire Invitational just before New Year’s, the Lady Warriors returned home for the first time in 2021 to host Class 6A opponent DeSoto Central last Tuesday.
Although it was unlikely that either coach was happy with their team’s offensive performance in the contest, it proved to be a thrilling one from a defensive perspective, as the Lady Warriors pulled out a 34-27 victory.
Trailing 8-7 after the opening eight minutes, Senatobia played the entire second quarter from behind and trailed DeSoto Central 16-14 at halftime. Rachel Hightower’s eight points proved to be the lone bright spot of the first half, as the Lady Jags’ senior led all scorers.
Tied 23-23 entering the fourth period, the Lady Warriors finally took control and outscored DeSoto Central 11-4 over the final eight minutes for the win. Senior Tiara Abron accounted for exactly half of Senatobia’s points in the contest, finishing with 17.
In other action:
Jan. 5 – (B) DeSoto Central 70, Senatobia 64
Trailing 42-18 with two minutes remaining in the first half, Senatobia almost provided an improbable comeback.
After closing out the first half on a 10-1 run, the Warriors slowly chipped away at DeSoto Central’s sizeable lead, first pulling within 11 points entering the fourth period and then within one point, 59-58, with 4:25 remaining in the contest.
Although Senatobia managed to pull within one point three different times, including a 62-61 deficit, the Warriors were unable to find the leading basket and surrendered a 6-0 run with 1:27 to go, allowing DeSoto Central to escape with the road victory.
Jagger Young led Senatobia with 17 points, followed by 14 from Braxton Taylor. Matthew Smith led all scorers with 31 points for the Jaguars.
Jan. 5 – (B) Coldwater 52, Water Valley 48
Behind 25 points from Torrance Matthews and 12 from Carlous Robinson, Coldwater notched a solid four-point victory at Water Valley last Tuesday night, avenging a loss to the Blue Devils earlier in the season
Both teams played close throughout the contest as Water Valley held a slight 20-19 edge at halftime. The Blue Devils led 33-27 entering the fourth period, but the Cougars outscored Water Valley 25-15 in the final eight minutes to seal the win.
Other finals:
Jan. 4 – (G) Lewisburg 49, Coldwater 5
Jan. 4 – (B) Lewisburg 70, Coldwater 44
Jan. 5 – (G) Pillow Academy 70, Magnolia Heights 45
Jan. 5 – (B) Magnolia Heights 61, Pillow Academy 47
