The Greenville High Hornets boys basketball team defeated visiting O’Bannon 78-45 Tuesday night. The match up took place after the JV Boys and Varsity girls’ games (both Greenville wins) as all games began almost identical. This rivalry win for the Hornets changes their season record to 3-2 following a Saturday afternoon win over the Lanier Bulldogs in Jackson, Ms while the Greenwaves fall to 1-2.
The Hornets jumped out to a 10-3 start over the Greenwaves in the first quarter of contest. Sophomore Tamarion Rhodes and Senior Gymanuel Wells opened the game with a double dosage of long 3-pt shots behind the arch. Following suit was Franklin Bennett with a tough shot block to decline an easy bucket by the Greenwaves. On a couple of next possessions, the Greenwaves finally regroup as guard Chandler Wade hushes the home crowd with his corner 3ptr to answer back to the Hornets. The first half of game quickly turned into a 3-pt scoring match as each team showcased sharp shooting scoring consecutive baskets from the behind the range.
During the second half, the Greenwaves were able to cut into the lead with another successful three from Wade following an offensive board and score from their big man. After a Greenwave timeout, the team adjusted into a zone defense in an attempt to contain the high percentage jump shots of the Hornets. The Hornets led at the half 45-24.
The Hornets outscored the Greenwaves in the third and fourth quarters and were able to shut the Greenwaves off in the fourth quarter. Leading performers for the Hornets were Gymanuel Wells (19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists), Franklin Bennett (12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and freshmen standout Tamarion Rhodes (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists). The Greenwaves, nevertheless, played a physical game led by leading scorer and performer Chandler Wade. The Greenwaves will go head-to-head with the Simmons Blue Devils (0-2) on Thursday at 7:30pm. Across the way, the Hornets will face off with Ridgeland Titans (2-2).
