Something about playing Quitman High School seems to bring out the best in the Hornbeck boys basketball team. After slipping into the LHSAA Division V “non-select” playoffs with a #26 seed, the third lowest among teams that qualified for postseason play, the Hornets pulled off a 65-63, first round upset of #7 seed Quitman in overtime. 

The victory marks the second time this season that Hornbeck, who entered the first round playoff contest with a 12-20 record, has beaten the Wolverines this year following their 65-57 victory back on December 1st. 

The loss this past Friday was especially painful for the Wolverines. Not only did it end the season, the way they lost was totally unexpected compared to the way they played throughout the year to compile a 21-9 record going in. 

The “calling cards” for the Wolverines this season was their tremendous shooting ability and their keen ball control. Over their 30 games heading into the playoffs, six of their top seven rotational players had made over 50% of their shots. The other was at 48% and as a team, QHS had posted an impressive 52% field goal shooting percentage. Furthermore, Quitman averaged more assists than turnovers on the year.

Then at the worst times possible their season long strength turned into liabilities. 

For three and a half quarters, Quitman was copying their script of success, when suddenly with a 54-49 lead, the shots quit falling. This included three free throws down the stretch that went awry that could have clinched the game in regulation. The way the game ended made matters even worse. With the score tied at 63-63 in the overtime period and Quitman in possession of the ball with only about 5 seconds left in overtime an errant pass was stolen and taken in for a game winning layup. 

One positive taken from the game was that Riley Duck, shown at right, closed out his Wolverine basketball career in grand fashion. Entering the contest with a 5.8 scoring average, the QHS senior saved his best for last, posting a career high 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting that included making 2 of 3 from the three point line. 

Brayden Smith also played extremely well, also finishing with 14 points, his second highest total of the year and well above his 7.9 points per game average. Logan Ponder led Quitman with 15 points and both Eli Walker and Noah Leach ended with eight apiece. Braden Martin and Gavyn Caskey chipped in with two points each.