In a game that lacked consistency in free throw shooting for the Hornets, a defensive stand closed the door on a Greene County rally allowing the Hornets to win 44-39.

In the first half, the Hornets (12-8; 4-2) were aggressive on offense, reaching the foul line repeatedly, but players were unable to capitalize.

Across-the-board, the Hornets went 10 for 24 from the charity stripe.

“We have got to master the fundamentals,” Poplarville Head Coach Chareck Cable said. “Missed layups and free throws kill us in games, and because of it, we have to double down on defense.”

Leaning on defense seems to be something the Hornets have confidence in, but Cable said in order for the team to get the results it wants in the district tournament, players need to start delivering on both sides of the court.

“When we are clicking, it’s fun to watch. We could definitely go far and win the district, but right now we have got to focus on ourselves and take it one game at a time,” Cable said.

The Hornets’ defense flourished against the Wildcats (5-17; 1-6) on Friday night, conceding only 13 points in the first half.

With a four-point lead at halftime, Hornets’ leading scorer Tamiljah Merrill absorbed most of the Wildcats’ attention, but still managed to finish with 16 points on the road. Teammate Austin Bolton scored nine points.

“This is a very important week. We are at home so we expect good results,” Cable said. “We don’t like to go down in our house so we will bring it this week.”

Poplarville will host Forrest County Agricultural Tuesday night at 7:30.

Lady Hornets’ turnovers result in loss to Greene County, 59-49

In the second to last away game of the season, Poplarville girls lost a close game against the Lady Wildcats (16-7; 5-2) on Friday night, losing 59-49.

Turnovers for the Lady Hornets cost the team the game, Lady Hornet’ Head Coach Dee Robinson said.

In the first half, the Lady Hornets (14-6; 4-1) were outscored 38-27, which set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Additional comments about the game were not received by press time.

The Lady Hornets will host Forrest County Agricultural on Tuesday. Tip-off will be at 6 p.m.