Disappointing would be an understatement in describing the last time the Columbus High School girls basketball team took the floor.
After a 41-point loss at Hattiesburg, Columbus got the feel-good feeling back, rolling past Noxubee County 73-27 Tuesday night at home.
In the nightcap, the Columbus boys held for a 60-59 victory against Noxubee County.
The Lady Falcons (13-2) executed their offense to near perfection as they built a 36-11 halftime lead. Noxubee County (10-5) came into the game after beating previously undefeated New Hope and highly touted Kemper County.
“We were coming off a very long trip to Hattiesburg,” Columbus coach Yvonne Hairston said. “We were in a hotel for three days and, to be honest, I think the trip overwhelmed us a little bit. We were pleased with our effort the first two days. The final day was not good.”
After winning twice to advance to the championship game of the tournament, Columbus lost to Hattiesburg 81-40.
“We learned what kind of defense we have to play if we want to play for the state championship,” Columbus junior Maggie Proffitt said. “The tournament was a good learning experience. We learned we have to work harder as a team in practice. We learned we have to play defense as a team. Offensively, we feel like all of us can score. We have confidence shooting the ball. But we have to be a better team on defense.”
On Tuesday night, Columbus had little trouble raising its intensity on defense. It built a 9-5 lead before scoring the final 12 points of the opening quarter. The Lady Falcons forced seven first-quarter turnovers and blocked four shots — one each by four players.
Proffitt dominated inside in the early stages of the second quarter. She hit 3 of 4 free throws and then moved inside for a putback basket. After Noxubee County hit one free throw, the hosts scored the next six points to sprint to a 32-9 advantage with 2 minutes, 45 seconds left in the half.
“We want to stop the ball from getting inside the lane,” Columbus senior Carrie Brown said. “That is the key to our defensive effort. We really grew up as a team last week. After not playing well in the last game, we were looking forward to getting back to work. We did a better job of doing what we are supposed to do tonight.”
The Lady Falcons scored the final four points of the half to lead 36-11 at halftime.
“We have been working on our press defense,” Hairston said. “That was the biggest thing in the first half. We got some turnovers and were able to get into the transition game early. We wanted to get the ball up the court and set the tempo early.
“If we set our tempo, then we would be able to do the things we are capable of doing.”
Kiandria Patterson and Laterrica Jefferson led the charge as Columbus went on a 14-0 run midway through the third quarter. Four straight points by Patterson capped the run to push the margin to 54-15. The Lady Falcons led 58-17 after three quarters.
“Once we got the first steal, it made us work that much harder on defense,” Proffitt said. “We are at our best when we are running the floor. To be able to do that, we had to knock some balls loose and be aggressive in the passing lanes.”
Columbus shot 70 percent from the field and twice led by the final margin of 46.
“Not to take anything from Hattiesburg High, because they are a great team, but it was one of those nights,” Hairston said. “Everything they shot went in. Everything we shot went out. However, after that game, we came away with a different mind-set for our team. If we plan to play for a state championship team, that is the type of team we will face.
“That is why the overall trip was good for us. Now, we get ready for district play Friday. We have a few loose ends to tie up. However, we are more determined on the defensive end. Now that is a good thing.”
Proffitt led Columbus with 19 points, while Patterson had 17. Antonia Jethroe added nine.
Dewisha Clark led Noxubee County with 11.
In the preseason, Columbus High boys coach Sammy Smith said his team needed to score 60 or points to win its fair share of games against quality opponents.
That number was just enough Tuesday, as a desperation three-quarter-court heave by Noxubee County hit off the backboard as time expired.
“We had been getting away from our identity and that is making defensive stops,” Smith said. “We are not an overly talented team on offense. That means we have to guard harder and make plays on defense. If we score one point, we have to find a way to make sure the other team scores no points.”
Trailing 12-11 entering the second quarter, Columbus (7-7) scored nine straight points as Noxubee County went 6:15 without scoring. Noxubee County (8-8) responded with a 6-0 run to close within 22-18 at halftime.
“In the second quarter, we couldn’t get anything going,” Noxubee County coach T.J. Billups said. “In the third quarter, we come out and turn the ball over five straight times. That has been the story of our season. It is all about the little things.
“We have great effort, but the little things plague us. They add up and make it real tough for us to win games on a consistent basis.”
Behind the strong play of J.J. Swanigan and C.J. Scott, the Falcons ran the lead back out to 47-39 in the early stages of the fourth quarter. Noxubee County stormed back with a 10-1 run to take a 49-48 lead. A 3-pointer by Tobarius Hunt followed by a steal and layup from D.J. Robinson capped the Tigers’ run.
“We knew we had to have some defensive stops,” Columbus junior Roshad Meeks said. “It was about having faith in our coach and believing and trusting in one another.”
As the lead switched hands five times in the next three minutes, Meeks took matters into his hands, scoring five of his nine points in the final 3:06, including a stretch where he pulled down four offensive rebounds.
“A lot of people talk about sacrificing, but for me it was something I was going to do,” Meeks said. “I knew getting some rebounds gave our offense a chance. Whatever it takes to get the W was what I was going to do.”
Down 57-53, Noxubee County’s Jamarri Johnson drove to the basket and drew a foul. While Johnson hit both free throws, the Noxubee bench also drew a technical foul.
For Columbus, Deontae Jones hit both technical free throws for a 59-55 lead. On the possession, Scott drew a foul and hit one of two free throws.
Noxubee County answered with a basket from Darrian Bryant and a steal and layup from Hunt. Hunt’s basket made it 60-59 with nine seconds left.
Jones was sent back to the line with five seconds left. After missing both shots, Noxubee County threw the rebound away. On the inbounds, Noxubee County forced a held ball with one second left. On the alternating possession, Hunt got one last desperation heave that came much closer than any of the home folks would have liked.
“We turned the ball over too many times in the fourth quarter,” Smith said. “However, we played smarter and with more maturity. You can tell we have grown up a lot this season.”
Swanigan paced the Falcons with 15 points, while Scott added 13. Hunt and Johnson each had 15 for Noxubee County, while Charles Hughes added 10.
Region play resumes for both teams Friday, as Columbus goes to Tupelo and Noxubee County goes to Louisville.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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