”PCA Paladins vs Lamar Christian (12-9-22) and the Laurel Knighthawks (12-10-22)”
The PCA boys 18U and 16U teams just had one of their most successful weeks of their basketball season so far. Both teams played two different opponents this week, including Lamar Christian School and the Laurel Knighthawks. In the Paladins’ first games of the week they faced off against the highly esteemed Lamar Christian Lions. Lamar is a 4A private school located in Purvis, Mississippi, and they have an extremely impressive background, winning multiple state championships. The Lions entered the game with a near perfect record of 8-1. Although the Paladins were likely favored to lose these games, the players and coaches had other plans. As the Paladins head coach, Brian Comenge, always says, “We are going to walk in that gym believing that we are the best team there.” After 32 minutes of one of the most hard fought and physical games the 18U boys have ever competed in, the Paladins proved that they belong on the big stage by defeating the Lions 58-55. The Paladins battled a tough crowd, a major height differential, and key players getting in foul trouble throughout the entire game. Even with these challenging conditions the PCA Varsity boys pulled through in the end and secured their biggest win of the season. The 16u boys were also able to get a big time win in dominating fashion with a final score of 45-20.
The Paladins girls 18u and 16u teams traveled up to Purvis to compete against the Lamar Lions as well. The Lady Lions are one of the best teams the Paladins will play the entire season. The young lady Paladins competed with maximum effort throughout the game, even after losing one of their 18u starters due to injury. Although the Paladins gave it their all and never gave up, they were unable to overcome the impressive sharpshooting of the Lions who would go on to win both of these games.
The second set of games this week were against the Laurel Knighthawks. Over the past couple of seasons Laurel and PCA have become two of the most profound rivals in the entire MSAHA league. After last season’s thrilling Varsity championship game, the narrow loss has been on the Paladins’ minds ever since. With this being the first matchup since then, PCA had this game circled on their calendars. PCA knew that this year would be different than last year because Laurel had lost multiple seniors. With that being said, the Paladins knew they couldn’t take this game lightly, as any time they face off against the Knighthawks the game will always be competitive. After a slow start, the Paladins would eventually put the “pedal to the medal” and blow the lead wide open. Although the game’s score differential would eventually surpass 40 points the Knighthawks team and crowd refused to give up and showed a commendable amount of effort even to the final buzzer. PCA’s 18u boys team would go on to win the game 83-40 and remain undefeated in conference play. This was a big game for the 16u boys as well since both teams (JV and Varsity) believe that this is a championship or bust season. The Paladins wanted to come out and prove a point with a dominate win and they did exactly that. The game started off pretty rough for the Paladins though, and at halftime it was still anyone’s game. After some regrouping at halftime, the PCA boys would go on to stretch the lead out and secure the win with a final score of 53-32.
The PCA JV and Varsity girls were shorthanded as they headed into their game against the #1 ranked Laurel Lady Hawks, missing two starters and a couple of subs. The PCA 18U girls fought hard and even pulled to within six points in the 4th quarter but came up short. Although the PCA girls lost these games, there were definitely some positive takeaways. It required some of the younger PCA players to step up and compete against a team that plays at a very high level. This is reassuring to know that the PCA Varsity girls not only have a chance to win the championship this year but are also developing players for years to come.
This weekend also showcased the first performance of the PCA 14U boys team against Laurel. Although the 14U Paladins had never even held a practice together, their comradery and team chemistry would have made you think they had played together for years. They won their first game of the season in dominating fashion with the final score of 57-7.
Whether they won or lost, the Paladins cannot dwell on this previous week for too long. They have a tough week ahead of them as they face off against the Hattiesburg Forerunners on Thursday, December 15 in Hattiesburg and the Muddy River Counselors on Saturday, December 17 at home.
