The Smithville Seminoles lost against the Starkville Academy Volunteers back in October of 2022, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. Smithville suffered a tough 52-26 loss at the hands of Starkville Academy. While losing is never fun, Smithville can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Mississippi basketball rankings (they are ranked 248th, while Starkville Academy is ranked 61st).
Smithville's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Mary Haley Hood, who scored nine points along with six rebounds. Hood scored a full 34.6% of Smithville's points, the fourth time in a row she's earned more than a third of the team's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophie Hass, who scored seven points.
Starkville Academy found their leader in underclassman Raylee Jones, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Smithville has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost four of their last five games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-7 record this season. As for Starkville Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 10-5.
Smithville will look to defend their home court on Thursday against Caledonia at 6:00 p.m. Caledonia and Smithville are at an even 4-4 over their past eight head-to-heads. Starkville Academy will be staying on the road on Friday to face off against Magnolia Heights at 6:30 p.m. on December 15th.
