In a tough week for Kosciusko boys basketball, there was a bright spot. Caden Wade, an eighth grader, moved up the the varsity and showed promise while scoring four points in a 65-22 loss to Choctaw Central.
“He's 6-1 and a half or 6-2,” said coach Eleazarus Greenleaf. ''He rebounded well and ran the floor well.”
The Whippets kept the game close for a half, trailing by eight at the intermission, but were outscored 17-5 in the third quarter as Choctaw Central pulled away. The Warriors pressured Kosciusko into turnovers that led to easy baskets.
Jeremi Wilkes scored eight points for the Whippets and Ryan Tillman had six.
In last week's other game, Kosciusko was defeated by Leake Central 48-43. Greenleaf was pleased with the team's defensive effort, but turnovers at crunch time resulted in the loss.
Jaybre Pierce led the Whippets with 18 points. Wilkes had 11 points and eight rebounds and Tillman scored nine points.
Kosciusko remained winless in six games in Region 4-4A play,.
Girls
The Lady Whippets defeated Leake Central 51-46 and lost to defending 4A state champion Choctaw Central 71-30, evening the region record at 3-3.
Kosciusko trailed Leake Central 37-36 after three quarters before outscoring the Gators 15-9 in the final period for the victory. “We were more aggressive in the fourth quarter and made some free throws down the stretch,” said coach Cory Guyton.
D'naylah Williams scored 24 points for Kosciusko, including 11 in the fourth quarter. Jamiya Gray had 10 points and Naja Mays five.
Choctaw Central was coming off a loss to Louisville when the Lady Warriors visited Kosciusko. “They had something to prove,” Guyton said.
“We got away from our game plan. We knew they wanted to run. We wanted to slow it down, keep it at our pace. But we played at their pace.”
Williams had 14 points and Diamond Kern added eight.
“It was an eye opener for us, staying with the game plan. We got frustrated because we couldn't make shots. They capitalized on our mistakes. That's what you're supposed to do, capitalize on your opponent's mistakes. We have to learn from our mistakes.”
The Whippets and Lady Whippets played Louisville Tuesday and have home games with Northeast Lauderdale Friday.
