By CURTIS ROCKWELL

Item Sports Editor

LAUREL — Picayune’s new boys basketball coach Thomas Taylor made his debut Monday night, as the Maroon Tide dropped a.close 58-56 decision to Laurel on the road.

The Golden Tornadoes made a shot with seven seconds left to pull out the win. Picayune was paced by Courtney Nixon’s 17 points, while Vincent Gable added 15 and Derionne Stewart and J.T. Biggs eight points each.

The Lady Tide also lost, falling 63-50 to Laurel. Picayune is now 0-4.

Arianna McGill scored 12 to lead the Lady Tide while Monique Brown and Karly Moran added 11 each.

Picayune travels to Oak Grove Thursday.

Poplarville hoops

Poplarville swings back into action tonight as both the Hornets and Lady Hornets travel to Purvis.

Both Poplarville teams are coming off losses as both dropped games at Pass Christian on Friday night.

The Lady Hornets fell 56-49 to the Lady Pirates, falling to 2-1 on the year despite getting a game high 23 points from Daquari Raine. The Hornets fell to the Pirates 86-66.

•Also, in other local action tonight, Pearl River Central is back on the court as both teams travel to Stone High.

Bales signing

Picayune baseball standout catcher Jared Bales is expected to sign a scholarship with Southern Mississippi on Wednesday, the first day recruits can sign in the fall recruiting period. Bales is expected to be one of the top players in the state this year, during his senior season with the Maroon Tide.

County hoops Tournament

POPLARVILLE — The bracket has been released for the upcoming Pearl River County Basketball Tournament that will take place next week in Poplarville.

Action tips-off Tuesday, as Picayune takes on Hancock in girls action at 4 p.m., and then the Maroon Tide and Hawks face off at 5:15.

Then, Poplarville and PRC meet in girls action at 6:30 followed by boys play at 7:45.

The winners and losers from Tuesday’s games then square off on Thursday in the championship and consolation games.

Maroon Tide ranked

Picayune returned to the Super 10 football rankings as conducted by The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson after Friday’s 40-12 win over Forest Hill to open the Class 4A South State playoffs. The Maroon Tide moved back into the poll at the 10th spot, setting up a Super 10 showdown with unbeaten and second ranked Wayne County in Waynesboro Friday night in round two. Picayune had dropped out of the rankings after a loss to D’Iberville in the final regular season game.