Fourth-quarter comeback leads Portageville over Hayti

HAYTI, Mo. — Portageville rebounded from three straight disappointing losses with a 54-46 win at Bootheel Conference rival Hayti on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The Bulldogs (10-9) made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter to secure the victory after surrendering the lead to the Indians (3-16) a couple of minutes into the third quarter.

“This was a big one for us,” said Portageville coach TJ Smith. “We have been starting to put the little things together and have to as we begin this late push into conference tournaments and districts. Kids played hard and got some valuable minutes from nine kids. Aaron Dunlap came in and took a huge charge in the fourth quarter. That won’t ever show up in a scorebook but those are the little things we have to do to be successful.”

Jamarion Smith scored a game-high 24 to lead Portageville, while Shane Townsend added 11 and Connor Sells had nine.

Kayne Jones led Hayti with 16.

Portageville travels to Cooter (17-1) on Thursday, Jan. 26, and both teams will compete in the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Hayti, beginning Saturday, Jan. 28.

Portageville will face South Pemiscot (6-11) at 10:15 a.m., while Hayti takes on Caruthersville (11-2) at 2 p.m. in the opening round.

__PORTAGEVILLE 54, HAYTI 46__

Portageville 11 19 5 19 — 54

Hayti 10 13 15 8 — 46

__Portageville (54) — __Jamarion Smith 24, Shane Townsend 11, Connor Sells 9, Aaron Dunlap 4, Connor Jeffries 2, Mason Adams 2, Thomas Frakes 2. FG: 19. FT: 13-20. F: 12. (3-pointers: Townsend 3. Fouled out: none.)

__Hayti (46) — __Kayne Jones 16, Elishia Harris 11, Keion Hamilton 10, Jeremiah Brown 7, Quintal Clay 2. FG: 18. FT: 6-11. F: Harris, Clay.)