The R.B. Hudson girls (8-1) went on a 14-0 run to close out Centreville Middle Tuesday night. The Bulldogs trailed by two at halftime but held Centreville to only two points in the second half in a 23-10 win.

“The third quarter is usually our quarter for some reason,” said R.B. Hudson coach Erica Lumpkin. “I go in and get on them hard and the third quarter, they always come out and perform.”

Both teams struggled to score in the first half. Centreville led by four before a basket by Alexias Walker pulled R.B. Hudson within a basket at the break.

Walker kept the momentum going in the second half. She made a 3-pointer early in the third quarter to put R.B. Hudson ahead for good.

Kamijhai Benjamin started the run with a basket and also made a free throw to extend R.B. Hudson’s lead to 14-8. Walker knocked in another deep shot with her foot on the 3-point line, to put the Bulldogs up eight.

Jemeia Fortune and Aeraeonna Manuel closed the quarter with baskets to conclude the 14-0 run. Lumpkin said Fortune’s pressure defense at the top of the press helped spark the run.

“She really pushes us in that press. She’s really the head, she starts everything,” Lumpkin said.

Centreville’s Ty’Reasha Rutledge made Centreville’s one shot of the second half and finished the game with 6 points to lead the Choctaws.

R.B. Hudson was led by Walker with 10 points. The Bulldogs host Tipton for homecoming on Thursday.
R.B. Hudson 49, Centreville 32 (boys)

R.B. Hudson used pressure defense to jump out to an 18-point lead after the first quarter Tuesday night against Centreville Middle.

The Choctaws pulled within 10 early in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t close the gap farther. R.B. Hudson (11-0) went on to win 49-32.

“We took the press off and tried to work on our defense and pressure and offensive ball,” said R.B. Hudson coach Derrick Randolph.

With such a big lead early, the Bulldogs pulled back their pressure and worked on their half court offense and defense in the final three quarters. Randolph was pleased with the way his team held together when Centreville got within 10 with five minutes to go.

“They didn’t lose focus of the game. They continued to hustle and do the things that we talk about,” Randolph said.

Javonte Stubbs scored 14 points to lead the Bulldogs in scoring. Jamerrio Rush had 8 points and Marsels Jones chipped in 6 points.

R.B. Hudson will play Tipton for homecoming on Thursday, hoping to keep its undefeated season intact.

“We’re pushing it and we’re hoping that we’re going to make it,” Randolph said.