Pascagoula survives semifinal, takes aim at history in Class 6A state title game
Pascagoula will be playing for a state title for the first time since 1977.
The Panthers outlasted Callaway in an overtime thriller Monday, 53-51, and did so without Mr. 6A Blake Nettles for multiple key stretches, including the entire extra period.
The win gives Pascagoula the opportunity to be the first Jackson County school to bring home a Gold Ball.
“They were positive, and they fought throw adversity,” coach Lorenzo Wright told the Sun Herald after the game. “Blake became our biggest cheerleader on the bench. They just found a way.”
Adam Griffin and Ireyion Harvey hit several key shots in overtime after Nettles fouled out in the final minute of regulation. Nettles also missed several key possessions in the fourth quarter due to blood on his jersey.
Nettles would still finish with a team-high 12 points while Griffin and his brother Jacob each contributed 11.
Pascagoula is in the Final Four for the third straight season, but was stopped shy of the final round each of the last two years by Ridgeland.
“We got to come out on Thursday and be ready to go and try to make history,” Wright said.
The Panthers will face Terry for the 6A crown on Thursday at 8 p.m.
This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 3:54 PM.
