By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Editor

PICAYUNE — The Hancock boys basketball team is back in the state playoffs for the first time in four years.
The Hawks, under the direction of first-year head coach Conner Entrekin, thumped George County 60-33 Monday night in opening round play at the Region 4-6A Tournament here at Kelly Wise Gym on the campus of Picayune High School.
“It’s very surreal. Hancock is and always has been home for me,” Entrekin, who as a standout player for his alma mater as well, said. “To have the opportunity to come back and do this is special. But to get to do it with this group makes it even more special. I feel so blessed to be able to start my coaching career with this awesome group of guys and staff.”

Hancock took control early in the elimination battle, doubling up on the Rebels at 28-14 mid-way through the second stanza thanks to 10 points from senior standout guard Mike Washington including a pair of 3-pointers early in the game.
George County countered with 10 points in the first half from Brenn Moody, and the Rebels fought back in a brief third quarter rally and cut the lead to three at one point.
However, Hancock senior forward Todd Dedeaux scored 11 of his game-high 15 points in the second half to thwart the George County comeback attempt and the Hawks soared away for the big win.
Washington added 14 points to go along with Dedeaux’s 15 points in the win for Hancock, and Donte Taylor added 10 points.

Moody led GCHS with those 10 points, as the Rebels ended their season at 5-18.
Hancock moved a game closer to getting back to the .500 level with win at 14-15. The Hawks now face the tall task of meeting top-seeded Pascagoula in the Semifinals Tuesday at 5:00.
In addition to HHS, the Long Beach girls as well as both teams from West Harrison cinched berths in the upcoming Class 6A South State playoff berths with wins on Monday as well.
The Hurricanes joined the Hawks in the semifinal round on the boy’s side of the bracket with a resounding 68-33 win over Long Beach. West Harrison faces home-standing Picayune Tuesday in the semifinals.
The Lady ‘Canes, meanwhile, placed a trio of players in double digits in dominating George County 63-41 to keep their season alive.
Miranda Parker tallied a game-high 16 points to pace West Harrison, while Sydnei Barber chipped in 13 points to the winning effort and Jaylenn Applewhite added 12 points for the Lady ‘Canes. West Harrison meets Pascagoula in the semifinal round on Tuesday.
In the first game of the day, the Long Beach girls clipped host Picayune 57-33. The Lady Bearcats face powerful Hancock Tuesday afternoon in the semifinal round.