Behind Hornets’ Tamilijah Merrill’s 29-point rally, Poplarville routed Forrest County Agricultural, 62-35.

Poplarville’s Tre Griffin once again set an early tone for the Hornets, this time with a slam-dunk in the first half, Poplarville boy’s Head Coach Chareck Cable said.

“We were fouling a lot at the beginning, which slowed things down a bit. But Tre came up big, giving us that zing we needed to get over the hump,” Cable said.

In the second half, Merrill started to hit his stride in an offensive groove that left the Aggies jumbled.

“Tamilijah is a complete player. He is definitely maturing in his understanding of the game and getting his teammates involved,” Cable said. “He was able to take what the defense gave him and capitalized on the opportunities presented in front of him.”

Cable said his “big three,” consisting of Merrill, Griffin and Cannan Ray, are going to be a huge factor in the team’s next matchup against Columbia, the No. 1 team in the district.

Griffin finished Tuesday’s game with five points, while Ray pitched in with 12.

Poplarville will try to hand Columbia its first district loss of the season as they host the Wildcats on Friday at 7:30 p.m.