MHSAA Girls Playoff Top Round 1 Games

February 16, 2022 Kelby Johnson

MHSAA PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 GIRLS RUNDOWN

The playoffs are underway! There was one big upset and several impressive scoring performances on the ladies’ side in round 1.

Here is a quick rundown for each classification:

The game that stood out in 1A was Blue Mountain defeating Okolona 100-30. Keyauna Foote scored 31. The Lady Cougars have a shot to go all the way to the finals, but things will get tougher from here. They host TCPS on Friday night.

(3 of the 16 games in 1A had a single digit margin of victory.)

Div. 5, #4 Newton 58, Div. 6, #1 Puckett 48

I had Puckett making it to the final four… so…there’s that. Newton has been a good program for years, winning the 2A state championship back in 2019. It also helps when Zia Shields scores 38 points. Keep an eye on her for the rest of this tournament. Newton now goes to Heidelberg.

Div. 2, #1 Myrtle 58, Div. 1, #4 East Union 46

East Union had defeated their county rival twice this season, but Kinsley Gordon would not be denied. She scored 41 points to lead the Lady Hawks. Gordon is one of the more underrated basketball players in the state. She has had a great career that is often overshadowed by her prowess on the softball field. Myrtle will host Calhoun City in round 2.

Div. 1, #2 New Site 83, Div. 2, #3 Palmer 48

The outcome of this game was not in question but it is worth highlighting because senior Lily Whitley scored a 50 piece for New Site.

Div. 4, #3 Choctaw County 49, Div. 3, #2 Coahoma County 44

This was a nice road win for Choctaw County. They go to #1 Belmont next.

(5 of the 16 games in 2A had a single digit margin of victory.)

Mantachie (Div. 1, #4) traveled to North Panola (Div. 2, #1) and battled. The Lady Cougars of North Panola held on for a 37-27 victory and will now host a tough Nettleton team.

Franklin County (Div. 7, #1) had to fight off 4 seed St. Patrick by a score of 58-54. They host Forest in round 2.

(4 of the 16 games in 3A finished with a single digit margin.)

Div. 7, #1 Purvis 47, Div. 8, #4 Bay High 39

Senior Elise Jackson flirted with a triple double. Her stat line included 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 steals. Purvis will host Quitman in round 2.

Div. 1, #1 Tishomingo County 68, Div. 2, #4 New Albany 58

New Albany took a road trip and made a game of it. Tishomingo County pulled away late to keep their good season alive. They will host Gentry in round 2.

(8 of the 16 games in 4A had a single digit margin of victory.)

It was an uneventful round 1 in 5A for the most part.

(3 of the 8 games in 5A had a single digit margin of victory.)

Starkville (Div. 1, #2) survived with a 59-57 win at home against Center Hill (Div. 2, #3). Starkville will now visit Horn Lake.

Pearl (Div. 6, #2) lost two games to Brandon (Div. 5, #3) this season. They were able to win the one that really mattered, 57-54. Their reward? A trip to #1 Harrison Central.

(4 of 8 games in 6A had a single digit margin of victory.)

FYI: There are some salty round 2 matchups in 6A girls.

It should be a fun Friday night across the state!

Kelby Johnson can be reached on Twitter @kelbyrjohnson