Picayune sweeps games with Pearl River Central

PRC's A.J. Banks takes a shot against Picayune's V.J. Holt (5)

Picayune and Pearl River Central played before a packed house at Picayune’s Kelly Wise Memorial Gymnasium. The Maroon Tide prevailed in both games using late scoring runs to pull away for a 36-23 win in the girls’ game and 47-37 in the boys’ game.

Girls: PRC pulled to within 24-23 midway through the fourth period, but Alanna Smith hit two short jumpers, and then made four consecutive free throws over a three minute stretch during the 12-0 run to secure the win for Picayune. Smith finished with 14 points, 8 in the last period. Camille Culpepper added 7 points and 7 rebounds and Miracle Banks had 6 points for Picayune (10-11, 1-3). Lakyn Spence had 10 points to lead the Blue Devils (14-8, 1-3). Harlie Davis added 6 points and Payton Lee had 4.

Picayune Girls' Head Coach Toby Bush talks to his team during a timeout

Boys: Leading 39-37 with just under three minutes left, Picayune scored the final eight points, six coming from Jordan Griffith, to pull away. Delrae Smith had 16 points and Griffith had 15 points to lead the Maroon Tide (16-7, 3-1). Marvun Arnold added 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists. V.J. Holt contributed a strong floor game with stellar defense along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Willie Reece led Pearl River Central (14-6, 2-2) with 14 points. Jason Long scored 9 points and A.J. Banks added 8 points for the Blue Devils.

Picayune continues region play at Hattiesburg on Tuesday while Pearl River Central will be at home against Lamar Christian.