The Starkville Academy Volunteers's game on Friday was a tough loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Smithville as Starkville Academy made off with a 52-26 win. Given Starkville Academy's advantage in MaxPreps' Mississippi basketball rankings (they are ranked 61st, while Smithville is ranked 248th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Starkville Academy found their leader in underclassman Raylee Jones, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 11 rebounds.
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 Halle Sargent, who scored four points along with three blocks.
Starkville Academy's victory bumped their record up to 10-5. As for Smithville, they have traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-7 record this season.
Starkville Academy will challenge Magnolia Heights at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Smithville, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Caledonia at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Caledonia and Smithville are at an even 4-4 over their past eight head-to-heads.
