A year ago, in Jackson, North Forrest fell short in the semifinal game and graduated seven seniors. History, for better or for worse, repeated itself for North Forrest as the Eagles ended the year with a 44-31 loss to Coahoma County in semifinals. North Forrest had an immense amount of unexpected success and leaves a bright future.
But for a second straight year, North Forrest's offense found points hard to come by early on.
"It's ironic because last year was very similar," North Forrest coach Quenton Loving said. "On the defensive end, we’re pretty good, but for the second straight year, we struggled to score the basketball. Early on in that first half, you are trying to find a rhythm. You kind of gather a rhythm by making free throws and making layups, getting the easy ones. We weren't able to do that, so we were just out of rhythm in the first half. We only had seven points. I told my guys that we were playing championship defense within this run to the final four, but the questions were going to be if we could muster enough offense to get the job done."
The first point of the game was scored with just over four minutes left in the first quarter with Cleveland Williams knocking down a free throw for the Eagles to take a 1-0 lead. By the end of the first half, Coahoma County held a 4-1 lead.
Much like the first, the second quarter saw similar limited offensive production from the Eagles. However, Coahoma County (29-1) took the momentum and held onto a 14-7 lead at halftime.
"For the second year in a row, we came up here and struggled to score," Loving said. "Our defense was there but missed free throws, missed layup opportunities around the basket hurt us in the first half."
At the end of the first quarter, North Forrest shot 10.5 percent from the field and, by the end of the game, North Forrest was 4-for-16 behind the free-throw line.
"We played a little bit better and with more energy in the first half," Loving said. "Rebounding also (was a difference). We gave up too many second-chance points. They were more aggressive, and we didn't take care of our defensive backboard, but my goals overachieved all year. We played above our head, losing seven seniors from last year's final four team. To be right back here is a testament to their hard work."
Out of the half, Coahoma County took a 25-17 lead in the third quarter, but North Forrest finally found some rhythm and cut the deficit to four points at 27-23.
The fourth quarter proved to be an illustration of North Forrest's frustrating day. The Eagles trailed 34-31 and attempted to seize momentum by tying the game. Instead, North Forrest (20-9) quickly gave up its possession and opportunity, which, according to Loving, was the turning point in the game.
"It was 34-31, and we had a big turnover in transition, and they laid it in and from that point on, it was an uphill climb for us," Loving said. "We cut it to three and get the rebound but give it right back to them. They go down and lay it in and it just deflated us because we couldn't get a rhythm or momentum together."
From there, the Red Panthers put North Forrest away and closed the game with a 10-0 run.
Williams scored a team high of 13 points, and Joseph Holloway scored 11 points in the game.
Despite the loss, North Forrest graduates only three seniors, with only one being a regular starter. According to Loving, the team's recent history will be the key fuel next season.
"I told them in the locker room," Loving said. "We have everybody returning. We have two years' worth of experience going to the big house. Let's let the third time be the charm, and let's get it done. Let's make that our mission to win a state championship."
Coahoma County 44, North Forrest 31
Boys 2A Semifinals
At Mississippi Coliseum
Coahoma County (23-10) – Bentavious Galmore 3 8-8 15, Markevious Holmes 2 0-0 5, Keshun Holly 5 0-0 10, Takevious Logan 4 0-0 8, Clintavious Davis 0 0-0 0, Christopher Abby 0 0-0 0 Trumaine Jones 3 0-0 6. Field Goals: 17, Free Throws: 2-12, Total Points 44.
North Forrest (20-9) – Jaren Sullivan 2 1-2, Jordan Wright 0 0-0 0, Tyrell Pollard 1 0-2 2, Cleveland Williams 5 2-8 13, Joseph Holloway 5 1-2 11, Andrew Posey 0 0-0 0, Zeadrin Hawthorne 0 0-0 0, Ahmad Roberts 0 0-0 0, Jaylin Holloway 0 0-0 0, Darius Coward 0 0-0 0, Kevin Firle 0 0-0 0. Field Goals: 13, Free Throws: 4 -16, Total Points 31.
CC 4 10 16 13 - 44
NF 1 6 16 8 - 31
3-Pointers – CC 2 (Galmore, Holmes), NF 1 (Williams). Total Fouls: CC 10, NF 14. Fouled Out: None.
