Raymond wins another 4A state title

Raymond is a team that is known for winning state titles in basketball. It is what they do. Their community expects for it to happen. The fans of Raymond know that year in and year out they are going to make a run to the Big House.

Last season, Raymond fell short to Yazoo City in the 4A state title game. This season, Yazoo City moved to to 5A. The City would not be in the way this time.

This game was in Raymond’s hands from the door. EJ Paymon and Mekhi Strong were leading their team to victory.

“It feels good to win,” said Paymon. “After losing last year, it really left a bad taste in our mouth. We are glad that we were able to get back here and win it.”

McComb would manage to make some things happen in the third quarter. They brought the lead to under ten and their crowd was beginning to get some life. That did not last long. Strong had a put back dunk around 14.2 secs left in the third quarter that left the crowd in a frenzy.

“Raymond is a school that is expected to win,” said Tadlock. “Our guys are great. We know year in and year out they are going to be ready to compete.”

EJ Paymon had a big dunk to start the fourth quarter. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Mekhi Strong would have a put back dunk that would make the score 46-26. He would later have another dunk on McComb’s attempt to have a full court press. It was over. Raymond would go on to win another title.