It took nearly a game and a half to determine the outcome of the last matchup between Mount Pleasant and Hallsville on the hardwood, but back on their home floor and in front of a sellout crowd, the Tigers made sure everyone in the gym knew who the best team on the floor was. Even though Hallsville would vie for a district championship with a win, Mount Pleasant was just as tenacious in their pursuit of finishing second in district and avenging their previous quadruple overtime loss. Add to that the Senior Night atmosphere and there was just too much Tiger for the visiting team to overcome.

The Bobcats would come out on fire to start the game, draining their first two three pointers to take a brief 6-2 lead. The Tigers would even the score at 6-6 as both teams traded baskets throughout the quarter. A layup by Edward Wilder at the end of the first quarter would put the Tigers up 16-13 at the end of the first. Both teams would hold steady during the second quarter as Hallsville’s sharp shooting would keep things close. Fifteen of the Bobcats’ 24 points would come from beyond the arc in the first half. The Tigers stayed relentless with their pressure defense and attack style offense to increase their lead to 30-24 at the break.

The third quarter would be where the dam would finally break as Mount Pleasant’s pressure finally caved the Hallsville ball handlers. The Tigers used a 19-4 run to open the quarter and take a commanding 51-32 lead into the final frame. Hallsville would continue to launch from deep but nothing connected and Mount Pleasant cruised the rest of the way for the 68-45 victory.

Payton Chism led all scorers with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Edward Wilder attacked the basket all night for 13 points and 3 steals while Kelcey Morris notched 12 points and 4 rebounds. Will Hills rounded out the double digit scorers with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Other scorers were Elijah Morris and Reggie Webster with 5 points each, Kyler Smith 4 points, and Kai Price 2 points.

The Tigers will take the 2-seed into the playoffs and matchup with Tyler High next Tuesday. Game time and location have yet to be set for the bi-district duel. Mount Pleasant finishes the regular season at 21-9 overall and 9-3 in district, their third straight 20-win season and eighth consecutive playoff berth.

By Drew Barkley
Photos by John Whitten