The Houston County High School boys basketball team opened its postseason with an impressive performance in the GHSA Class 5A state playoffs, defeating the Pope High School Greyhounds 67-48 in the first round.
The game began as a back-and-forth battle, with Pope jumping out to a 17-10 lead at the end of the first quarter and extending its advantage to 24-14 early in the second. Trailing 26-18, Houston County shifted momentum with an 11-0 run that grew into a 15-2 surge, giving the Bears a 29-26 lead. They carried a narrow 33-31 edge into halftime.
Houston County took full control in the second half, locking down defensively and finding rhythm on offense. The Bears outscored Pope 17-7 in the third quarter and pulled away in the fourth to secure the 19-point victory and advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Karon Plummer led Houston County with 23 points, including five three-pointers. Malik Gillespie added 14 points, while Josh Jackson scored 12 and Mahkel Stevens chipped in 10.
Pope concludes its season with a 17-11 record. Houston County improves to 21-6 overall and will host the winner of Kennesaw Mountain or Newnan in the Sweet Sixteen on Saturday night at the Bears’ Den.
