The celebration of Homecoming is still a big deal in small-town America as evidenced by the turnout in Senath Friday night. Lion lovers braved the bitter cold weather to support their home team as they battled the visiting South Pemiscot Bulldogs.
When asked about her take on the Homecoming celebration, Queen Jada Burlison stated before the varsity game, "Homecoming is always a big deal for us. I just hope the guys do well in the game", while Senior Maid Chloe Edmonston stated. "Everything is super exciting." And the teams provided the near capacity crowd with plenty of excitement.
The JV Lions set the tone for the exciting night with a hard-fought loss to the visitors, 64-59. The Lions took a seven point lead into the 4th quarter but a heavy full-court press and turnovers hurt the Jr Lions late. #11, Gerry Castillo, of Senath-Hornersville led all scorers with 19 while other significant scorers for Senath were #13 Todd Green and Cade Sawyer with 13 and 11, respectively. The Bulldogs were led by #1 Damerius Mayberry with 18, with double digit contribution from #3 Parker Carlisle (14), #0 Campbell (13) and #14 Bryce Robinson (12).
The varsity team continued the excitement for the supporting crowd with an effort and result similar to the first game. The first half featured 15 lead changes with the Lions taking a narrow two-point lead into halftime, 38-36.
A second half shift from mostly man-to-man D to zone by the Bulldogs, coupled with struggles with outside shooting by the Lions saw South Pemiscot take a seven point lead into the fourth quarter. Foul trouble for Senath-Hornersville and double bonus free throws for the visitors made overcoming the deficit too much for the Lions as the final tally was South Pemiscot 63, Senath-Hornersville 59.
Leading scorers for Senath-Hornersville were #21 Mason Williams, #23 Spencer Goff and #11 Gerardo Castillo with 18, 12 and 9, respectively. While South Pemiscot was led by #2 Robert Farmer (18), #33 Jatarius Smith (17) and #0 Ty Campbell (13).
The night ended with the words of the Queen and her court being a perfect summary for the action on the court. Two exciting ball games and both school's players playing well. Homecoming is still a big deal in small-town America and Senath-Hornersville's school, students and fans are to be commended for their collective efforts at tonight's festivities.