Words by Skylar Lara | Images by Justin Hunter
As the doors of Songer Gym opened last Tuesday night, the crisp sound of basketball shoes squeaking against the polished court echoed throughout. The air was filled with excitement as Bevill State eagerly awaited the arrival of their opponents, Northeast Mississippi Community College. The 110 spectators could feel the tension building as the teams took to the court, their steely determination palpable. Clearly, this would be a battle of wills, a true test of teamwork and perseverance.
The game began with Northeast Mississippi snatching the opening tip and charging ahead, their players moving with speed and power as they raced toward the basket. But despite their aggressive play, their shots wouldn’t sink, leaving them frustrated and struggling to keep up with Bevill’s unyielding defense. On the other hand, Bevill was like a wall of strength, matching Northeast Mississippi’s energy and refusing to let them gain an inch. Five minutes into the game, they built a commanding lead of 13-3. Taveon Goode was at the forefront of Bevill’s charge, his fierce defense and boundless energy setting the tone for his teammates.
But Northeast Mississippi was resilient. Slowly but surely, they started to catch up, working together like a well-oiled machine, each supporting the other with unwavering inclusion and trust. In a sudden burst of brilliance, Dylan Hendrix came off the bench and immediately hit a three-pointer that helped hold Bevill’s lead. But Northeast Mississippi refused to give up. They stepped up their defensive pressure, moving like a swarm of bees, their arms outstretched like wings, as they fought to regain control of the game. And with just 9:15 left in the first half, they did just that, taking the lead and holding onto it going into halftime, 36-31.
Northeast Mississippi picked up where they had left off as the second half began. Bevill tried to come back slowly, but it wasn’t enough to stop Northeast Mississippi’s momentum. However, Bevill started to run their offense through Ja’Myas Davis, who moved with force in the paint. After he sank a free throw, Bevill cut Northeast Mississippi’s lead to just one point. With 8:30 remaining in the game, Bevill managed to claim the lead, but it was short-lived as Northeast Mississippi hit a three-pointer to reclaim it immediately. However, Bevill fought back with made free throws from Jose Gonzalez and a three from Isiah Daniels, securing the lead again. Northeast Mississippi, however, wasn’t going down without a fight. Their players moved in perfect sync, passing the ball effortlessly and sinking shot after shot, causing the crowd to roar nervously.
As the clock ticked down, Northeast Mississippi continued to hold the lead until the end of the game. Tensions flared with less than a minute remaining as referees Erroll Lewis, Scott Rutherford, and Donnell Dukes called a technical on Bevill State Coach Billy Conner. After a missed shot from Donovan Shangase, Northeast Mississippi grabbed the rebound and dunked the ball as the buzzer sounded, sending the crowd into a disgruntled frenzy and sealing Bevill’s fate. With a final score of 75 to 69, Northeast Mississippi emerged victorious.
For Bevill State, Ja’Myas Davis scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Isiah Daniels contributed 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Donovan Shangase also scored 13 points, and Taveon Goode secured six rebounds. The Bears went 24 for 50 from the field and 8 for 20 from three. Despite their best efforts, Bevill State’s record this season stands at 1-6. They will travel to Coastal Alabama North, returning to Songer Gym on November 30 to take on Marion Military Institute. WL
