By Angie Ledbetter

In three games the South Panola Tigers outscored opponents by a total of 40 points to win the championship at the Cleveland tournament Thursday night.

Since returning from the Thanksgiving break the Tigers opened the tournament against Ray Brooks in the first game Monday and won 50-33. Senior forward James Watson scored 16 points and junior guard De’Andrea Harris added 11. Junior guard Jaylen Lee and junior forward Oxcaxious Poole both had 10 rebounds each.

According to Head Coach Charlie Howard the team played like it was their first game since the break.

“They were just not really fluid in their play and real sluggish. I’d say athleticism won the game. We played a 1A school and I didn’t think they were very good in basketball because they’re more of a football power. We just happened to be a little bit more talented than them.”
In game two Tuesday night, Greenville St. Joe lost to the Tigers 49-35 sending the Tigers to the championship round. Scoring seven points each was senior guard Troy Collins, Watson and Lee. Lee also had 11 rebounds for the night.

“Greenville St. Joe was a better team and I say that but then Ray Brooks beat them in the consolation game. St. Joe had a 6’7” post player and a real good point guard so before the game we thought they’d be the best team we’ve faced so far and I thought at the beginning of the year Marvell was a real good team.”

“We came out and completely shut the big guy down and the point guard didn’t hurt us in the St. Joe game.

“Now in comparison Cleveland played St. Joe Monday night beating them 34 points,” added Howard. “We beat St. Joe only by nine points so going into the championship game that made me feel like we were in a little bit of trouble against Cleveland.”

Howard used that stat to get the guys motivated going into the championship game.

“It worked. They came out and by far that was our best defensive game of the year with them playing five games.”

The battle for the championship trophy was between the Tigers and host team Cleveland. The Tigers downed Cleveland 49-40 for the victory.

Poole led the team with 17 points while Watson had eight rebounds.

The Tigers will host Cleveland for a rematch for their first home game of the season Thursday night. Friday night they’ll host Water Valley and top off the holiday season on December 13 hosting Horn Lake.