The Houston Lady Hilltoppers and Hilltoppers stepped out of region play this past Tuesday against Class 6A Columbus and picked up a pair of convincing wins to extend both squads’ impressive win streaks.
Houston 63 Columbus 38 (G)
Both teams struggled out of the gates as Houston (17-4, 3-0 Region 4-4A) took a 9-4 lead in the first quarter before pulling ahead for a 24-14 halftime lead. Columbus (7-11, 1-5 Region 2-6A) saw the Lady Toppers explode for 22 points in the third quarter to take a commanding 46-21 lead into the fourth quarter. The two teams traded baskets in the final frame as each team scored 17 points in the quarter and Houston cruised to the 63-38 win over the Lady Falcons.
Shane Fox scored 15, Tori Nichols 14, Jasmine Pierce 13, Ty-Nita Baker 10, Chancedy Pulliam 4, LaNikki McMillian 2, Audrianna Lewis 2, Sancreisha Morgan 2, and Raven Tucker added 1 point for Houston.
The win marks the sixth-straight victory for the Lady Toppers with their last loss coming to the hands of the Hernando Lady Tigers at the Pontotoc Battle of the Best in the final game of the 2009 half of the season.
Houston 48 Columbus 37 (B)
Defense was the name of the game for Houston (13-7, 4-0) as they held Columbus (12-8, 3-3) under 10 points in the first three quarters of the game.
The Toppers grabbed a 12-5 lead in the first quarter and pushed their way out to a 25-14 edge at halftime. The Falcons battled back in the third quarter but saw a strong close by the Toppers make it a 35-22 game heading into the fourth. Columbus got their offense going, but it was too little too late as the Toppers kept pace to pick up the 11-point victory.
Devante Pulliam had 13, Thomas Hill and Kirby Jones each scored 12, Xavier Cousins 8, George French 2, and Clarence Frison added 1 point for Houston.
Houston picks up their eight-straight victory with the win over Columbus. Their last loss was to the Oxford Chargers on December 19th in the Curtis Loggins Classic.
