FULTON — The deficit was just too big.
So was Derek Fountain.
As the Noxubee County boys basketball team tried to kick its comeback efforts into gear against Holly Springs in Friday night’s MHSAA Class 3A quarterfinal at Itawamba Community College, the Tigers encountered a 6-foot-8 obstacle again and again and again.
When Noxubee County cut a 15-point halftime deficit down to 10, Fountain finished a layup through contact and made the ensuing free throw. The Tigers responded by scoring again, then forced a miss, looking like they’d have a chance at getting within single digits, but Fountain wrestled away the rebound and put it up and in. Thirty seconds later — down 15 once again — Noxubee County went up for a layup, only to see Fountain slam it down to the floor emphatically.
It was that kind of night for the Tigers and for the Hawks’ senior star as Noxubee County (19-13) found itself eliminated by Holly Springs, 76-45, in Friday’s quarterfinal game in Fulton. Fountain had 20 points to lead the veteran Hawks (25-7), whose seniors were motivated by two straight losses in the state championship game in the past two seasons.
“That’s what makes them such a dangerous team: experience,” Noxubee County coach Danny Crawford said. “They were just a lot more experienced than us, and they knew how to win this game, knew how to play this game. My kids, this is their first time making this game. That’s pretty much what happened.”
Fountain happened, too. He planted himself in the post, scoring when unguarded and passing efficiently out of double teams when the Tigers sent them at him.
“All you can do is try to box him out,” said Noxubee County sophomore forward Demone Cunningham, who led the Tigers with 12 points Friday.
Cori Bell (19 points), Tyhem Reaves (10 points) and Ded’Drick Faulkner (eight points) played supporting roles for the Hawks, who showed off their shooting prowess Friday. Bell hit three 3-pointers, and Reaves added one.
“When 20 (Fountain) is going, and they’re hitting shots, with their experience, they’re hard to beat,” Crawford said.
With his Tigers down 33-18 at the half, Crawford told his players if they could get the lead within five points, they would be alright. Noxubee County tried, but that never quite happened.
The Tigers got the lead down to 10 at 41-31 then again at 44-34 after Fountain’s three-point play. But shortly afterward, Dantavian Davis split a pair of free throws for the Tigers, and Holly Springs went on the attack.
Fountain put back a Hawks miss, Reaves hit a long jumper then converted a tough shot for a three-point play, and Bell hit a 3 to cap a 10-0 run in a minute and seven seconds. Holly Springs was suddenly up 56-35, and the Tigers looked totally disjointed.
“We weren’t in order,” Cunningham said. “We weren’t settled. Everybody was just running everywhere.”
It didn’t get any better for Noxubee County in the fourth quarter, as the Tigers subbed out most of their starters midway through the period when it became clear their comeback wouldn’t last. Bell, Faulkner and Cadarius Autry helped the Hawks put the Tigers away. Holly Springs moves on to face St. Andrew’s in the semifinal round Tuesday at Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.
Noxubee County’s five seniors — Jadakiss Williams, Kobee Lockett, Marlon Windham, Ed Colvin and Davis — all played their last games for the Tigers on Friday, but they walked out of their locker room composed despite the loss.
“They’re OK,” Crawford said. “It was a good ride out there.”
Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
