[HATTIESBURG, MS] The Paladins had an outstanding tournament last weekend in Hattiesburg, MS, as they participated in the annual MSAHA tournament. They brought four teams to compete: 16U girls, 16U boys, 18U girls, and 18U boys. All four teams went undefeated, winning the title for each. The Paladins also brought a 14U boys’ team to Laurel, MS, on Monday for the 14U MSAHA tournament, in which they placed 3rd.
18U boys came into the tournament as the #1 seed. They rolled through to the championship, defeating the Laurel Knighthawks and Hattiesburg Forerunners. The #2 seed Muddy River Counselors were a tough out for the Paladins. It was a high intensity, close game, with both teams draining threes. But Hank Peace led a 4th quarter PCA push, hitting two 3’s and an and-1 layup. The Paladins took the win 71-55.
18U girls were the #2 seed coming in. With wins over the Meridian Flyers and Laurel Knighthawks, they too made the championship. Laurel met them there, fighting their way back through the tournament. The Paladins took an early lead and held it the rest of the game. A few key players for the Knighthawks were hurt though, so this made things very difficult for them. PCA got the win 45-30.
16U boys got bumped to the #1 seed after the Muddy River Counselors dropped out. The Paladins came into the tournament off an 8-game win streak. They continued the win streak with wins over the Mt. Zion Lions and Laurel Knighthawks. They met Laurel for the fifth time this season in the championship and got the win 50-32.
16U girls had a #2 seed coming in. They defeated the Scott County Flames and Laurel Knighthawks to make it to the championship. PCA then got the win over Laurel 33-25.
14U boys were the #2 seed and started out on fire, beating Laurel 53-2. But the Paladins took a tough loss to the Jackson Victors in the semifinals. They ended up placing 3rd with a win over the Mt. Zion Lions 41-25.
The season is far from over for the Paladins, as they still have a few non-conference games, as well as two more tournaments: Regionals [Dallas, TX] and Nationals [Springfield, MO].
