Hardeman County Basketball Begins

Hardeman County teams went 3-1 on opening night as high school basketball began in Hardeman County.

The Middleton Girls had the toughest challenge, falling to defending state champion Jackson South Side 61-48, which was the 35th win in a row for the Lady Hawks. Harmony Bell led the Lady Tigers with 21 points, while Kemora Buggs added 10.

The Middleton Boys, having lost four of their five starters from a spot in the championship game a year ago smothered the South Side boys with a defense that limited them to only 12 field goals on the night. T.Q. Mitchell and Jordan Woody led the Tigers with 13 each.

Bolivar’s opening night resulted in a sweep of Jackson Central-Merry beginning with a 53-46 win in a game that included 81 free throws and both teams combining to shot 42% from the line. Freshman Jayln Cross led the Lady Tigers with 13. Senior Navaeh Bunch had 11, while Mikayla Newble had 10.

The boys game saw Bolivar jump out to a 42-17 halftime lead enroute to a 73-30 win. Jacorey Stanley came off the bench for 18 points, while Kylan McNeal had 17, and Correon McNeal had 14.

Photo: Bolivar’s Tracy Jones wins the tip at the Tiger opening night contest in Bolivar.  Photo by Coleman Glover