A new year kept the same winning streak for the Independence girls’ basketball team.
Regarded once again as one of the top teams in Class 3A, coach Jerome Martin’s squad kicked off 2024 with three straight wins, extending the Lady Kats’ current winning streak to seven games.
Independence picked up a pair of strong road wins at Hickory Flat on January 4 and Ashland on Jan. 6, defeating the Lady Rebels by a 56-42 final and the Lady Blue Devils by a 70-32 rout. The Lady Kats then returned home on Jan. 9, earning a 64-28 victory against Potts Camp.
In the win at Hickory Flat, sophomore Sacari Burnette scored 20 points to lead the scoring charge for the Lady Kats. Senior Kamiyah Stephens also added 10 points of her own, making the ultimate difference against the solid Lady Rebels’ squad.
Against Ashland, Independence took a sizable lead early and never looked back, as senior Nakyiah Walker led the way with 23 points. Burnette added 16 points and senior Phykiria Burnett also contributed 12 points in the win.
With the latest wins, Independence improved to 16-4 overall. The Lady Kats will travel to Coahoma County on Tuesday, Jan. 16, before facing local rival Senatobia on Friday, Jan. 19 at 6 P.M.
Meanwhile, the Independence boys’ team also started the new year off right, with three straight wins against the same three opponents. The Wildcats earned a 70-56 victory at Hickory Flat, a 49-43 decision at Ashland, and a close 71-67 battle against Potts Camp.
In the Wildcats’ victory at Hickory Flat, Jax Wilson led the charge with 17 points. D.J. Mitchell, Tay Watson and Tarrell Wilson all came away with nine points to further aid the Independence victory.
Despite facing a gritty effort from Ashland the entire contest, Jax Wilson once again helped Independence earn the edge, combining with Tarrell Wilson to score 12 points apiece.
In the home victory against Potts Camp, Martavion Green led the way with 18 points, followed closely by 17 points from Jax Wilson.
Independence improved to 10-7 overall in boys’ competition with the three-game winning streak. The Wildcats are also slated to travel to Coahoma County on Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Senatobia on Jan. 19.
In other action:
Jan. 5 – (G) South Pontotoc 30, Senatobia 28
Jan. 9 – (G) Senatobia 75, New Albany 34
Defense was the name of the game in Senatobia’s narrow loss to South Pontotoc, but the Lady Warriors’ offense ran the show in last week’s region victory at New Albany.
The loss to South Pontotoc came down to the final possession, only for the Lady Cougars to secure the game-winning shot, handing SHS a rare home loss.
However, Senatobia wasted no time bouncing back, delivering the season sweep against New Albany. Miyah Whiting posted a double-double, consisting of 13 points and 10 steals, along with six rebounds, while A’Destiny Bogan led all Lady Warriors with 15 points.
Derriyana Newson provided 13 points as well, followed by an impressive 10-point, eight-rebound performance from Kireunna Versell.
Senatobia moved to 11-3 on the season and 2-1 in Region 2-4A competition. The Lady Warriors will travel to South Pontotoc for a rematch on Tuesday, Jan. 16, before hosting Independence on Friday, Jan. 19 at 6 P.M.
