By Myra Bean

The South Panola Tigers started the season 2-0 after Thursday’s 57-52 win over Cleveland.

The Tigers almost had a clean sweep, taking three of four games, but the Lady Tigers still struggle at the goal and fell 51-39. 

In Jr. Varsity action the Lady Tigers won 32-13 and the Tiger boys won 30-21.

SP varsity boys 57, Cleveland 52

The Tigers and Wildcats were neck-and-neck throughout the game. South Panola only led by one at the end of the first quarter, 18-17.

The Tigers scored first on a free throw by Bobby Thomas, followed by a three-pointer by Jordan Smith for the 4-0 lead. Cleveland erased that deficit as Quintiyus Causey sank his own three to pull within one point. Causey led all scorers with 26 points on the night.

The Tigers led 11-6 with 4:49 left in the first quarter and then 16-10 with 2:12 left, but Cleveland kept the defense on its toes and pulled within one with 43.6 left to go. Causey had three, three-pointers in the first quarter.

Andre Gleaton had two three-pointers and Smith had a three-pointer to keep the Tigers in the lead. That coupled with a field goal by Smith, Thomas and Quen Poole gave South Panola the edge it needed.

Both teams only scored 10 points in the second quarter which gave South Panola the 28-27 lead going into halftime.

Smith and Gleaton combined for a couple of three-pointers and free throws to pace the Tigers.

The Tigers were fierce in the third quarter, limiting Cleveland to seven points, two field goals and three free throws. The Tigers scored 12-points to give themselves some breathing room to take a 40-34 lead into the fourth quarter.

Smith had two three-pointers and the old-fashioned three-point play to lead the Tigers with nine points in the third quarter.

The Tigers were in foul trouble the fourth quarter and that kept Cleveland in the game. Cleveland shot 11/18 free throws in the fourth quarter alone.

However, Kenon Johnson scored six of his nine points in the fourth quarter to keep the Tigers viable. Gleaton added five more to his 15 points, including a three-pointer.

Smith led the team with 18 points, two rebounds and a steal. Gleaton also had five rebounds and two steals.

Other scorers include Poole, six points and four rebounds; Thomas, five points and three rebounds; Kendricus Carlton and Cortavious Campbell, two points each.

SP JV boys 30, Cleveland 21

Shaquille Jackson led the Tigers with 12 points, followed by Terrance Jackson, six, Quan Ellis, five and Terry Bishop and Jerry Hubrins, two points each.

South Panola led 7-1 at the end of the first quarter and 17-10 at halftime.

The Tigers held Cleveland to one field goal in the second half. Cleveland shot nine of 14 free throws in the second half.

The third quarter was dry for both teams as South Panola outscored Cleveland 2-1.

The Tigers are on break for the holidays this week and will return to action Monday in the Cleveland Tournament at 5:30 p.m. against Ray Brooks. Tuesday, the Tigers will play St. Joe at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, the Tigers will meet Cleveland in a rematch at 8:30 p.m.