POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The No. 15 Pearl River women's basketball team passed an early season test with flying colors Thursday night, fighting its way to a 68-56 win over visiting Mineral Area.
"When you play a team like this that has an identity, you have to execute offensively and defensively," head coach Scotty Fletcher said. "I thought we executed in big moments. We made the stops and got the big rebounds. We sat down and guarded in the halfcourt. It was a total team effort tonight."
For just the second time this season, Pearl River (5-0 overall) found itself in a bit of adversity against an opponent. Although the Wildcats led twice against Mineral Area (3-2) at 6-4 and 9-7, it was the Cardinals that stretched out an advantage.
With just over a minute left in the opening quarter, MAC hit a pair of free throws that helped it carry a 17-12 advantage into the second quarter.
Something clicked for the Wildcats as the second quarter began. Although they were trailing 20-12 early on, a massive 16-2 run swung things in PRCC's favor.
Jazmine Jackson (Jacksonville, Fla.; Andrew Jackson) created the first seven points of the run. The Alcorn State transfer began the run with a perfect showing at the free-throw line before completing an old-fashioned 3-point play. She then created offense with her defense, stealing a ball away and lobbing it down the court for a Natasha Barnes (Chicago, Ill.; Kenwood Academy) basket.
Barnes turned provider on PRCC's next basket, dishing a pass inside to Sydney Lewis (Upper Marlboro, Md.; McLean School) for a layup that gave PRCC its first lead since it was ahead 9-7 in the opening quarter, 21-20. Lewis struck again on the next offensive possession, getting fed the ball by Peyton Hearvey (Tupelo) for another layup.
The Cardinals scored a basket to break up what was a 12-point swing for PRCC, but two Jackson free-throws, a basket by Paris Gilmore (Youngstown, Ohio; Warrensville Heights) and a Roge'Ne' Hillard (Hazlehurst; Copiah Academy) free throw pushed the Wildcat lead to 28-22.
When the halftime buzzer sounded, PRCC was in front by six points at 30-24.
The third quarter was as even as they come for the Wildcats and Cardinals as the teams matched each other blow for blow, tying at 13 points apiece in the frame. The first highlight of the frame for Pearl River was when Jackson dished a no-look pass over the top to Hillard for a basket, 37-33. Lewis had another big play for Pearl River as she plucked a pass out of the air and dashed down the court for a layup, 43-35.
The Wildcats led 43-37 when the final quarter of the night began and picked up right where they left off with an eight-point run. Jackson's 3-pointer from the corner was money, and Barnes followed it with a jumper.
When the clock hit the 6:40 mark, PRCC was ahead 53-40 after Lewis pulled down an offensive rebound and scored. The next possession saw PRCC use the screen game to perfection as Hillard's 6-foot-3 frame freed up Jackson for a layup, 55-40.
A few big shots from Gilmore down the stretch allowed PRCC to keep pushing forward, and the Wildcats secured a 68-56 victory.
LEADING THE WAY
Jackson was electric for Pearl River on the night, finishing with a game-high 23 points. She also pulled down six rebounds and had three assists.
"She took what the game gave her tonight," Fletcher said. "I was happy to see her make that impact."
Lewis did plenty of damage against her former team, earning a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
"She's a complete basketball player. She has a really good skill set," Fletcher said. "You can't speed her up, and she doesn't change anything emotionally. She's a surreal basketball player."
Gilmore was the final Wildcat in double figures, scoring 12 points on the night.
NEXT UP
PRCC returns to action Friday for a 5 p.m. game against Chattahoochee Valley.
TICKETS
Basketball season tickets are available now for $86, granting access to all home regular-season games. Single-game tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the game. Tickets can be purchased at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets.
TUNE IN
All home Pearl River basketball games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.
Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320-AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com and by downloading the WRJW app.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).
