Basketball Game Preview: South Jones Braves vs. Natchez Bulldogs

Having just played yesterday, the South Jones Braves will get right back to it and host the Natchez Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

South Jones is headed into the contest out to prove that what happened against North Pike on Thursday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. South Jones took a blow against North Pike, falling 71-41. While losing is never fun, the Braves can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Mississippi basketball rankings (they are ranked 206th, while the Jaguars are ranked 51st).

Meanwhile, Natchez didn't have too much trouble with Brookhaven on Tuesday as they won 49-30. The Bulldogs pushed the score to 43-13 by the end of the third, a deficit the Panthers cut but never quite recovered from.

South Jones better keep an eye on RONIYA ELLIS. She was instrumental in Natchez's win, going 8 of 19 on her way to 27 points. That's the most points ELLIS has posted since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was CALEAH KENNEDY, who went 5 for 12 en route to 11 points and six rebounds.

South Jones dropped their record down to 3-19 with the defeat, which was their 21st straight on the road dating back to last season. As for Natchez, their victory bumped their record up to 18-7.

South Jones ended up a good deal behind Natchez in their previous matchup two weeks ago, losing 55-37. Will South Jones have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.