PONTOTOC, Miss. – Despite a stellar 21-point performance from standout Chloe Dorsey, the Olive Branch Lady Quistors fell to Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) 65-58 on Saturday during the Tangle on the Trail event at Pontotoc High School.
The loss moved Olive Branch to a 10-6 season record, while the Lady Patriots of Hillcrest improved to 9-7.
Shorthanded Lady Quistors Battle Alabama Powerhouse
Olive Branch entered the contest at a disadvantage, playing without standout Caleigh Nix. Sidelined with a foot injury, Nix is widely regarded as the top eighth-grade player in the area and is a focal point of the Lady Quistors’ rotation.
The challenge was made steeper by the quality of the opposition. Hillcrest arrived in Pontotoc with a pedigree of success, having reached the Alabama 7A state championship game last season before falling to Hoover in the final.
Even in Nix’s absence, Olive Branch showed resilience. After trailing 7-0 in the opening minutes, the Lady Quistors fought back to within five points by the end of the first quarter, capped by two free throws from Vadaija Pimpton, who finished the day with 10 points.
The Lady Quistors found their rhythm in the second quarter, eventually tying the game at 27-27 with 3:38 remaining in the half. However, Hillcrest responded with a five-point run to end the quarter and take a 37-32 lead into the locker room. Dorsey led the way for Olive Branch in the first half with 10 of her game-high 21 points.
Second Half Struggles
In the second half, turnovers and missed shots became the story for Olive Branch. Hillcrest utilized a late third-quarter surge to extend their lead to 57-44, led by a balanced attack from Blakely Nixon (17 points), Sky Latham (12 points), and Jordan Davis-Hines (10 points).
Though Olive Branch’s Ivy Selph (11 points) managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the final seconds with a 3-pointer, the comeback effort fell short against the disciplined Alabama side.
Coach’s Perspective
Olive Branch head coach Jason Thompson noted that the game served as a difficult but valuable learning experience for his squad.
“Unfortunately, that’s part of it. Some days, everything is not going to go your way,” Thompson said. “I thought there were spots in the game where we [competed], and then other spots, well, not so much. It’s a learning experience and something we can grow from.”
Thompson praised Dorsey’s 21-point night, noting that the performance reflected her high ceiling. “That’s talent she has, and that’s something she can produce every night,” Thompson said.
Looking Ahead
The Tangle on the Trail serves as a premiere showcase for high school talent, drawing scouts and college coaches from across the region. Thompson emphasized that the exposure and high-level competition are vital for his players’ development.The Lady Quistors look to bounce back Tuesday as they return to action against Center Hill at Olive Branch on Tuesday night in a Region 1-6A contest.
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Jan. 3
Prep basketball
Lewisburg 47, New Site 44
DeSoto Central 50, Saltillo 48
Olive Branch vs. Power Center Academy at Memphis Hoopfest
Beckett Haley scored 14 points for Lewisburg in the Patriots win over New Site. Langston Simpson scored 15 points for DeSoto Central in the Jaguars’ victory over Saltillo. Both players received Player of the Game awards for their respective games at the Saltillo Shootout.
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.
