2020 MHSAA 1A North Quarterfinals

Article and contributions by: Kelby Johnson

You can follow Kelby on Twitter at @kelbyrjohnson

2020 1A Quarterfinals (Girls) @ Itawamba Community College

PINE GROVE VS. HICKORY FLAT

For the second year in a row, Pine Grove eliminated Hickory Flat in the quarterfinals.

Both teams battled all night but Pine Grove pulled away in the fourth to win 56-42.

It was a close game for three quarters. Pine Grove led 9-7 after the first period, it was tied 19-19 at half, and Pine Grove was up 33-28 after the third. In the fourth quarter, the back-to-back-to-back 1A Champs took control and punched their ticket to the semifinals in Jackson.

Pine Grove (28-8) will play West Lowndes (25-0) on Monday at 9:00 a.m.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

#25 Loren Elliott (2020, G)

Loren always stands out as a relentless player on both ends of the floor. She is able to make outside shots and also attack the paint with creativity around the basket. She had 13 of her team’s 19 at the half and finished with 19 points. Her effort level is A+.

#21 Karlie Rogers (2020, F)

Karlie was a big factor on the boards early in the game but foul trouble sent her to the bench for much of the first half. She was able to get going in the second half and scored 14 points inside. She and Elliott give Pine Grove an inside/outside combination that is unmatched in 1A.

#10 Bella Jumper (2020, G)

Jumper did her work in the second half. She hit on 3 three pointers in the fourth quarter and scored 14 points in the game. She was very confident with her ball handling and shooting.

#12 R’Daztiny Harris (2020, G)

R’Daztiny ended her high school career on the same floor she will play on for the next two years (ICC commit). It wasn’t a surprise to see Harris conclude with an explosive performance. She scored 19 points in each half to end the game with 38. She was the only Lady Rebel to score until the game was into the fourth quarter. When Harris drives to the goal, she is able to control and contort her body to finish through contact. She can shoot the mid-range and make a three pointer, but she is deadly driving to the basket.

2020 1A Quarterfinals (Boys) @ Itawamba Community College

BALDWYN VS. PINE GROVE

Baldwyn started strong and never let up in their 70-45 win over Pine Grove. The Bearcats controlled the boards, scored in transition, and made 10 three pointers. Pine Grove had a great season but on this night they couldn’t get their shots to fall. Baldwyn will go back to Jackson and face West Tallahatchie on Monday at 12:00.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

#4 Gabe Richardson (2020, G)

Richardson made 5 first half three pointers and finished with 25 points. His confidence grew with each shot and he was the spark that Baldywn needed to run out to the first half lead.

#10 Jacolby Williams (2020, G)

Williams used his length to dominate the boards. He scored 22 points primarily on layups and free throws. He missed time this year injury but has been good down the stretch for Baldwyn.

#3 Carson Rowland (2022, G)

Carson is a floor general that plays the game with intensity. He makes impressive passes while pushing the ball up the floor and is able to score against bigger players. He had 21 points while battling to keep Pine Grove in the contest. He showed his athleticism late in the game as he went up and attempted to dunk on a defender.

2020 1A Quarterfinals (Girls) @ Itawamba Community College

INGOMAR VS. BALDWYN

The Baldwyn Lady Bearcats survived in Double Overtime against the Ingomar Lady Falcons. The final score was 47-41. Both teams played well defensively and made this a low scoring affair. Ingomar led 6-2 after the first and Baldwyn took a 15-14 lead into halftime. Ingomar led 25-24 after the third. The game went back and forth in the final period. Senior guard Amarie Anderson was big time for the Lady Bearcats and led all scorers with 19 points. Camleigh Ball made a late bucket and the Lady Falcons came up with a couple of stops to send the game to overtime. In the first overtime, Katie Beth Hall made a big three pointer for Ingomar. Baldwyn pulled away behind Anderson in the second overtime for an exciting 47-41 victory. Baldwyn will play Sacred Heart in Jackson on Monday at 10:30.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

#3 Amarie Anderson (2020, G)

Amarie was the difference in the game as she scored 19, including most of Baldwyn’s key shots. When they needed it, Amarie delivered. She was able to penetrate into the paint and finish. Her defensive aggressiveness was also important. She will be a key factor in Baldwyn’s title hopes, along with her teammate, I’Yana Ragin (a Northwest Community College signee.)

#15 Katie Beth Hall (2022, G)

Katie Beth scored 11, including 3 three pointers. She is a sharp shooter and has already displayed the ability to make big time shots in big time moments. She plays the game with great enthusiasm.

#14 Macie Phifer (2025, G/F)

Macie started all year as a seventh grader and really came on strong at the end. She had 13 points in this game. She can make an outside shot but her strength is going to the goal. She will be a terrific all-around player very soon. She also did a real good job guarding Baldwyn’s best scorer, I’Yana Ragin.

2020 1A Quarterfinals (Boys) @ Itawamba Community College

INGOMAR VS. COFFEEVILLE

These teams are loaded with talented players and experience. Ingomar jumped out to an early lead behind senior guard Nathan Weeden. He had 9 and his team led 19-8 after a period. Coffeeville played hard and with relentless defensive pressure in the second quarter. Jaddarius Kincaide helped his team take a 31-29 lead at half. The third quarter was a battle and Coffeeville stayed ahead 45-42 behind guard Quavon Marion and his explosive offensive play. The final period was an intense battle. For Coffeeville, Marion put on a show with quick handles and a nasty mid range jumper. For Ingomar, big man Nyheim Jones took over by attacking the rim. A big play was when junior Zach Shugars was able to gather an offensive rebound on a missed free throw and score it plus the foul. Ingomar was also helped by two technicals on a Coffeeville player in the fourth. In the end, the Falcons survived 69-61.

Ingomar advances to the semifinals in Jackson where they will play Shaw on Monday at 1:30.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

#23 Zach Shugars (2021, G)

Zach Shugars is the heart and soul of his team. He is able to score inside or outside and looks to make plays for his teammates. He rebounds, defends, and takes charges. He is the vocal leader for his team and has a “refuse to lose” attitude. He had 20 points in this game, including 10-12 at the free throw line.

#11 Nathan Weeden (2020, G)

Nathan goes about his business very quietly but then you look at the score sheet and see he had 21 points to lead the Falcons. For the second year in a row, he hit a clutch three pointer late to send his team to Jackson. He was all over the floor on defense, guarding Coffeeville’s scorers and chasing down loose balls. It was one of the best games of his career.

#40 Nyheim Jones (2020, F)

Nyheim has come off the bench all season but would start for most other teams. He has played really well this year and especially the second half of the season. He is able to drive to the goal with his 6’5” frame and finish strong through contact. His length is a presence on defense as well. He had 17 points but it felt like more because they were key baskets time and time again.

#1 Quavon Marion (2020, G)

Marion is a dynamic guard who can score the ball at all levels. He had 20 points in this game while displaying his quick handles and smooth shooting stroke. Even though he is left handed, he seems even more dangerous going to his right for his pull-up jumper. He is able to hang in the air and knock it down. His high school career came to and end but this skilled 6’2” guard will surely be playing somewhere next season.

#3 Jaddarius Kincaide (2020, G)

Kincaide is a really good looking 6’3” athlete. He can handle the ball and score it. He was able to penetrate with some strong hesitation moves and looks confident with his outside shooting. He made 2 3s and had 13 points before fouling out of this game.