PLANTERSVILLE — Dallas County boys’ basketball coach Willie Moore knew what his team did well going into Tuesday night’s game against Billingsley. It’s no secret that the Hornets can run the floor, score in transition and pressure the basketball.

Moore spent Tuesday challenging his team in other ways, such as scoring in the half court. He also started an entirely new starting five, just so players who don’t always see the court had a chance to get some playing time.

On Tuesday, it didn’t matter what Moore threw at his team. The Hornets (11-4) seemed to be at the top of their game in every facet and they dominated Billingsley 79-34.

“We were trying to make sure we could run our half-court offense and try to get touches for ours bigs because I know we can get out in transition, press and trap and get easy baskets, but we are trying to get ready for down the road,” Moore said. “What kind of team are we going to be if we can’t get those easy transition baskets?”

DeAndre Baker began the first half with a 3-pointer and ended the half with a 3-pointer as well as the Hornets jumped out to a 59-23 halftime lead. All 13 Hornets players scored in the game, led by Baker’s 12.

Moore mixed up his lineup to begin the game. The Hornets’ normal starting five remained on the bench for the first few minutes.

“We are trying to create depth with our team. Last week we had three games in a week and there was not a lot of time off,” Moore said.

“Some of the guys didn’t get to play as much, so we made sure they got a lot of time tonight.”

Josh Benford and Octavious Palmer joined Baker in double figures. Benford had 11 points and Palmer scored 10.

Dallas County has now won six consecutive games, including a win over Calera on Friday night that tied the Hornets at the top of class 5A, area 6. If Dallas County can beat Jemison on Friday, they’ll at least tie for the regular season area title.

If Calera also wins against Marbury, the teams will have a coin flip to determine the site of the area tournament.

“Whatever happens happens, but certainly I would love to play here as opposed to going on the road,” Moore said. “We’ve got to win Friday.”
Dallas County 51, Billingsley 35 (Girls)

Jamerah Smith scored 16 points to lead Dallas County past Billingsley on Tuesday night.

Keonna Pope had 8 points and Tyneshia Jones chipped in 7 points for the Hornets in the win.