Jackets to play for North Class 5A title

February 18, 2012

JACKSON – The Starkville High School boys' basketball team had only three losses the whole season.

On Friday night, the Yellowjackets avenged one of those losses beating Provine 82-67 to advance to the Class 5A North Half Championship and the 5A State Tournament.

The Rams beat SHS 80-76 earlier in the year in the Joe Horne Christmas Classic hosted by Columbus High School.

The Yellowjackets held a 17-11 lead after one period of play. They entered the second quarter on a roll and went on a 23-0 run from the end of the first quarter until midway through the second quarter.

Starkville was ahead 39-19 at halftime and entered the final frame with a 63-46 lead.

Mississippi State signee Gavin Ware led the Jackets with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Tory Rice also recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards.

Steven Brand added 14 points and Jacolby Mobley chipped in 11 points.
Starkville got a big lift off of the bench as Ravonte Gandy hit three 3-pointers to give him nine points for the game.

The Jackets, who improved their record to 27-3, will be back in action today when they play Callaway in the 5A North Half championship at 7 p.m. at Forest Hill High School.