Sports

Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009

West Harrison wins its basketball debut

ST. MARTIN —It was a day of firsts at the Inaugural St. Martin Super Saturday basketball tournament.

The mid-day game featured the first-ever contest for the new West Harrison High School, and the young Hurricanes didn’t disappoint.

Behind 21 points from junior guard Stacy Dennis, the Hurricanes pulled away from a much taller, more experienced Gautier team for a 69-59 win.

“We didn’t know what to expect coming in,” West Harrison coach Doug Bazzell said. “We had two juniors really play well and a couple of freshman come off the bench and contribute.”

Dennis got the ’Canes off to a fast start with 18 points in the first half, and he was smiling following the win, even though he was forced to leave in the fourth period with a cramp.

“It feels really good,” said Dennis, who scored the first basket in West Harrison history. “We came out strong and played well, but we still have a lot to work on.”

St. Martin’s Super Saturday featured six games to begin the 2009-2010 high school hoop season, and it was deemed a success.

“I think we had a good turnout,” St. Martin coach Charlie Pavlus said. “I think with the new gym next year it will open up even more. It’s something we want people to be a part of.

“It’s nice to put on something like this,” Pavlus added. “We had great support from our AD Greg Williams and I think it was a success.”

The Hurricanes had a successful opening.

Less than 30 seconds into their initial game, Rashad Bennett came up with the school’s first steal, and that led to Dennis’ first bucket with 7:32 to go in the first period. Dennis also hit his team’s first 3-pointer with 1:58 left in the opening period.

Gautier led 20-17 at the end of the first period thanks to Aaron James. James scored 10 of his game-high 28 points in the first period.

The ‘Canes used a 9-0 run to end the second period and take a 38-36 at the half. D.J. Bolden, who finished with 15 points, just before half to fuel the spurt.

West Harrison pulled away in the second half for a surprising upset.

“(Gautier) Coach (Keith) McQueen’s team’s are always well prepared,” Bazzell said. “He’s got good size on that team. We played well.”

The D’Iberville girls opened the tournament with a 64-63 win over Vancleave. Jordan Foster had 27 points to lead the Lady Warriors and Britteny Dobbs added 18 on six 3-pointers. Gabby Scott had 23 points to pace Vancleave.