Varsity basketball teams defeat Sacred Heart

On Tuesday night, the Sacred Heart High School gym steadily filled with fans of the Irish and the Sacred Heart Crusaders, who competed in two excellent basketball games. With the bleachers only lining one side of the gym, both groups of fans squished together to watch the game and share a common interest in the game of basketball. The hour drive to Hattiesburg was fully worth the games that awaited.

The girls varsity teams kicked off the night with a close-fought game. The ball rushed down the court just slow enough to keep up with it. The Irish girls passed admirably and made shots just as impressively. But, Sacred Heart would not be defeated so easily and fought back with the same vigor. The coaches yelled from the sidelines just as the players on the court yelled to their teammates. Despite the constant noise, the cheers of the fans rose above it all as they cheered their respective teams when they scored, and moaned if the opposing team scored. But, in the end, the Lady Irish emerged victorious, with a final, well-earned score of 47-40.

Coach Gaunce beamed with pride at the girl’s performance, stating, “We worked as a team, you know. We made some shots and had great defense. They have improved so much, and I am very proud of them.”

It wasn’t long before the boys took to the court to play the Crusaders in the second and final game. It was just as interesting as the girls game, though it was played with ease. The boys still fought vigorously, but the Crusader boys were not as skilled. The Irish led 32-16 at halftime and finished the game with a decisive win of 73-31. It was an excellent game with contributions from all players on the team, with all getting some time on the court. These games are testaments to the practice put in by the Irish, the athletes’ discipline, and they are a tribute to the coaches. The next home varsity basketball games are against Sacred Heart on Friday, December 14. Come out and support the Irish!  

Story by Jesse Kearns