Photo: Center Hill’s Christian Grissomchecks the Pillow Academy defense during Tuesday’s contest at at Magnolia Heights in Senatobia.
SENATOBIA, Miss. – The Center Hill Mustangs dominated from the opening tip to the final buzzer, cruising to a 63-32 victory over the Pillow Academy Mustangs at the Magnolia Heights Memorial Classic on Tuesday.
Trintin Martin fueled the Center Hill offense, finishing as the game’s high scorer and Player of the Game with 14 points. Trace Herrell led the way for Pillow Academy with 10 points in the loss.
Center Hill’s Trintin Martin is the Player of the Game
Center Hill established control early, jumping to an 11-4 lead midway through the first quarter and extending that cushion to 20-10 by the end of the period. The defensive pressure from Center Hill stifled Pillow Academy throughout the second quarter, allowing Center Hill to enter the locker room with a comfortable 35-19 halftime lead.
The second half proved to be more of the same. Center Hill outscored Pillow Academy 28-13 over the final two frames, including a late 12-7 run in the fourth quarter that allowed head coach Julius Cosby to rotate his bench and give his younger players valuable varsity experience.
“I think they played well. They played hard,” Coach Cosby said following the win. “It’s a good opportunity to be able to play everybody, get everybody some minutes, because we are still young. They have to understand that it’s a process.”
Cosby specifically praised Martin’s performance and his development within the program.
“He’s one of my youngsters that I want to stick with me no matter what,” Cosby said. “I hold kids to a standard and try to push them as far as I can. Some games like this, where you’re able to play younger guys and let them figure it out, it’s great. I’m proud of him growing into a young man.”
The win serves as a momentum builder for Center Hill as they prepare for a high-stakes rivalry matchup. The Mustangs are scheduled to face Olive Branch on Tuesday, Jan. 6 in Region 1-6A action.
“You always take a win,” Cosby added. “Wins are hard to come by. When you get one, you better celebrate it and get ready for the next one.”
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
