Basketball Game Preview: Laurel Golden Tornadoes vs. Starkville Yellowjackets

The Laurel Golden Tornadoes will head out on the road to challenge the Starkville Yellowjackets at 2:40 p.m. on Saturday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Laurel comes in on five and Starkville on 13.

On Tuesday, Laurel really took it to Quitman for the full four quarters, racking up a 62-31 win. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Golden Tornadoes' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Mississippi basketball rankings (they are ranked fourth, while the Panthers are ranked 77th).

Gracelyn Carmichael

Steals

12/16/25 @ Quitman	6
12/12/25 vs Meridian	5
12/05/25 @ Meridian	2
11/29/25 vs Biloxi	2
11/20/25 @ West Jones	3
+ 7 more games

Gracelyn Carmichael and Kayllis Walker were among the main playmakers for Laurel as the former posted 13 points and six steals and the latter went 5-for-10 on her way to 15 points along with six boards and six steals. That's the most steals Carmichael has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Jahyla Dubose, who shot 60% from the field en route to 14 points and three steals.

Laurel smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in five consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Starkville made easy work of Choctaw Central on Saturday and carried off a 56-33 victory. The Yellowjackets have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won nine matchups by 20 points or more this season.

Starkville's win bumped their record up to 13-0. As for Laurel, their victory bumped their record up to 10-1.