C2D1 GBK: Portageville routs Hayti to reach championship game

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Portageville delivered a suffocating performance against Hayti, winning 67-29 in a MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament semifinal on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

The top-seeded Lady Bulldogs’ (21-5) relentless defense and fast-paced offense overwhelmed the fourth-seeded Lady Indians (11-16) from the opening tip-off, resulting in a decisive victory.

“Our defense and transition games were huge for us tonight," said Portageville coach Kellye Fowler. "We pushed the ball up the floor and were able to force turnovers to get layups. That always jump-starts the rest of our offense."

A balanced attack saw Ja'Niya Smith, Jayla Weddington, Aubrey Greenwell, Taryn Irby, Laney Stone, and Glo Farmer all score for Portageville in the opening quarter, building a commanding 22-6 advantage.

The Lady Bulldogs continued to extend their lead, reaching halftime with a 41-15 cushion. Ja'Niya Smith led the way for Portageville with a game-high 24 points.

“[Smith] had a huge game,” Fowler said. “She is just so athletic, gets to the rim, and gets rebounds. She has been playing aggressively for us lately and it’s been fun to watch."

Smith was supported by Jayla Weddington (12 points) and Laney Stone (11 points) while Carmen Rhines led Hayti with 10 points.

Portageville, seeking its second consecutive district championship after claiming the Class 3, District 1 title last year, now faces Senath-Hornersville in the championship game on Friday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.

The sixth-seeded Lions (6-15) pulled off an upset in the other semifinal, winning 54-48 over the second-seeded South Pemiscot Lady Bulldogs (12-7).

__PORTAGEVILLE 67, HAYTI 26__

Hayti 6 9 4 7 — 26

P’Ville 22 19 16 10 — 67

Hayti (26) — Carmen Rhines 10, Jerica Allen 5, Taaron Larry 4, Kalaiha Jones 2, Olivia Taylor 2, Brakahia Rodgers 2, Canasia Rhines 1. FG: 10. FT: 5-8. F: 11. (3-pointers: Allen. Fouled out: None.)

Portageville (67) — Ja’Niya Smith 24, Jayla Weddington 12, Laney Stone 11, Aubrey Greenwell 8, Taryn Ibry 8, Glo Farmer 4. FG: 27. FT: 7-14. F: 12. (3-pointers: Irby 2, Stone 2. Fouled out: None.)