SENATOBIA, Miss. – Senior guard Kalia Pernell scored 14 points to lead the Horn Lake Lady Eagles to a 55-40 victory over St. Mary’s (TN) at the Magnolia Heights Memorial Classic, but the game’s defining moment came from a high-stakes display of discipline.
Kalia Pernell of Horn Lake was named Player of the Game.
Despite maintaining a lead throughout the contest, Lady Eagles head coach PJ Davis was far from satisfied with his team’s execution. With 5:47 remaining in the third quarter and St. Mary’s narrowing the gap to 30-22, Davis called a timeout. In a rare move for a live game, he ordered his players to run cross-court sprints during the break.
“Our standard is always the standard,” Davis said post-game. “We miscommunicated early, we gave up a lot of easy baskets, and we just don’t want to think that that’s acceptable.”
The message was received. The Lady Eagles responded with a quick scoring run to extend the lead to 35-22, eventually carrying a 44-30 advantage into the final frame before closing out the 15-point win.
Game Progression
The Lady Eagles established an early rhythm in Senatobia, leading 11-4 after the first quarter. While St. Mary’s managed to pull within four points during the second period, Horn Lake went into halftime with a 27-18 cushion.
Player of the Game: Kalia Pernell
Pernell was named Player of the Game for her 14-point performance and floor leadership. Davis praised his senior guard’s evolution into the team’s primary playmaker.
“We call her ‘PG’ for a reason,” Davis said. “She’s been our leader for the most part this year. She’s still growing and developing herself, but she’s trying to embrace that role.”
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.
