BJH proved too tough for Pope

By Brad Greer
When Batesville and Pope Junior High meet on the basketball court, chances are pretty good  a tough, physical battle would take place.
Monday night was no exception as the two boys teams scrapped for 24 minutes before the Tigers came away with a 19-14 victory.
Emarrion Boyd rolled in a three-pointer to give Batesville a 17-12 lead with 1:53 remaining in the game that proved to be the winning margin. Pope cut the margin to 17-14 as Lataurus Carruth connected on a short jumper the next possession.
That however would be as close as the Bulldogs would get as Raymond Harris knocked down a jumper in the final minute to provide the final margin of victory.
Harris led Batesville in scoring with nine points while Boyd and Tradarrious Johnson garnered five points each. Kavion Bobo paced the Bulldogs with nine points. Carruth added four points with L. B. Benson added one point.
The first quarter started out slow as Boyd registered the only basket as Batesville took a 2-0 after one quarter of play.  Carruth provided Pope’s first points with a bucket in the second quarter before Harris added a three- point play to give the home team a 5-3 lead at halftime.
Pope tied the game at 7-7 late the third quarter as Bobo  connected on two free throws before swishing a jumper with 31 seconds remaining in the period.
The Bulldogs took their lead of the game at 10-9 as Bobo nailed a trey to start the final frame.
BJH (girls), 22 Pope 2
The Tigers made it a sweep the Lady Tigers eased past Pope in the opening game.
Chrystal Mayes led all scorers with 12 points as Batesville led 14-0 at the halftime break. McGhala Patton added four points to go along with four steals. Bailey Ware also tallied four points while dishing out three assists. Angel Owens added a basket for the Tigers.
Katie Calvert scored the only points for Pope with a bucket in the third quarter.
Batesville will be back in action Jan.5 when they travel to Grenada starting at 5 p.m. Pope meanwhile will visit Montgomery County Jan. 9 also at 5 p.m.