Port Gibson defeats Hazelhurst 57-39

PORT GIBSON, Miss.(VDN) — Port Gibson High School boys’ basketball team picked up a 57-39 home victory over Hazlehurst on Friday night, pulling away in the second half after a tightly contested opening two quarters.

The Blue Waves jumped out to an early 15-3 lead in the first quarter, setting the tone behind strong shooting from Kimonte Crutison, who knocked down several early baskets. Charles Damper and Ken Owens each connected from beyond the arc during the opening period as Port Gibson controlled the tempo.

Hazlehurst responded in the second quarter, using a scoring run to climb back into the game and briefly take a 22-20 advantage at halftime. Despite the deficit, Port Gibson regrouped in the locker room and came out with renewed energy on both ends of the floor.

The Blue Waves reclaimed the lead in the third quarter as Owens and Ocie Brown III provided key points to swing the momentum back in Port Gibson’s favor. Defensive pressure proved to be the difference down the stretch, as Port Gibson limited Hazlehurst to just four points in the fourth quarter while extending the lead offensively to put the game away.

Crutison led all scorers with 15 points. Owens followed with 14 points, while Damper added 11. Brown finished with six points, Tramain Luster scored five, Jesse Williams chipped in four and Jamarion Washington added two to round out the scoring.