Whoosh! Pirates shoot for another three-pointer. The Miller County Pirates hosted the first round of state play-offs this past Saturday evening, February 24, against the Chattahoochee Panthers of Cusseta which is located in the Columbus area. Game time started at 6:30 p.m., and it was an exciting game from both sides of the bench. Chattahoochee brought a lot of support from their fans, and it showed from the beginning to the end, but the Miller County fans were there to cheer on the Pirates and get "CRUNK".

As the game got underway, Miller County's Center-Craig Huntley got the tip for the Pirates, and the game was on! At the end of the first quarter, Miller County led 13-10. Willie Butler hit a three-pointer; Melvin Patterson and Trez Morgan both hit four points, along with Craig Huntley's two points. Panther- Octavius Staton was hot, hitting all of the 10 points for Chattahoochee. It was very obvious that the Chattahoochee Panthers had come to play basketball. You could see it in their eyes, and you could hear it from their fans.

In the second quarter, Patterson came out popping hot like a Microwave, scoring 10 points. Will Martin hit a threepointer; Craig Huntley was accurate under the goal with four points while Willie Butler eased in a two point shot. Jacovi White scored five points; Staton hit a two point shot while Jabril Renesca hit four points for the Panthers. Panther Delandis Harris hit four out of six at the free-throw. But it would not be enough as the second quarter came to an end. The score stood 32-27 in favor of the Pirates.

In the third quarter, Patterson again was hot, hitting 11 points, Cedric Clarke and Huntley each slipped in two pointers. Tacovi White hit a three-pointer for the Panthers, and the Panthers hit five out of five free-throws during this third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, it was Willie Butler hitting five out of seven free-throws and Trez Morgan slipping in and hitting three quick shots at the goal. Cosby Salters hit four points, along with Patterson adding three points. Trey Bush, Colby Gilbert, Victor Johnson along with Salters, Morgan, Butler, Clarke, and Huntley, played a great defensive game. The Pirates had held the lead dur- ing the entire game, and as the final seconds ticked down, the Pirate fans were getting louder and louder; Coach Tim was sweating up a storm, but the game was over. The Miller County Pirates had won with the score of 66-54 and will advance to the second round of state play-offs, which will be held over in Savannah, Georgia at the Savannah State University Gymnasium. Game time will this Friday, March 2, at 8:30 p.m. when the Pirates will be facing the Turner County Rebels.

By winning the game, the Pirates are officially in the "Sweet Sixteen" of Class A Boys State Tournament. A win on Friday night would put our Pirates playing the winner of the Hawkinsville / Central Talbotton game on Saturday. That game also will be played at 8:30 at Savannah State

A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Ginger Webster, Resource Officer Melody Diamond, Mrs. Vivian Cooper, Mr. Burnell Grant, Mrs. Marie Toliver, Mrs. Melva Perkins, Larry Bush, Mrs. Martina Cooper, Mrs. Laura Williams, and Coach Susan Wade. This group donated and worked in the hospitality room during the game. Delicious homemade cakes and all kinds of mouth-watering foods galore lined the tables. A huge "Thank You" goes out to the Miller County Cheerleaders for all their hard work in decorating the gym, the boys' locker room, making goodies bags for the basketball players and keeping the crowd CRUNKED!!!

The Pirates would like to thank Miss Melody Diamond for the delicious cake that was made for them. Everyone needs to be on the Pirate Ship when it sets sail for Savannah next Friday morning!