By MAURICE SINGLETON/Sports Writer

PASCAGOULA — Ocean Springs nearly overcame a 17-point third quarter Meridian lead, but the fourth quarter Greyhounds’ rally came up short as the reigning 7A state champions held on for a 51-44 win.

The game was the fifth of eight in the 16th annual “Panther Classic” Saturday here at Pascagoula High School.

Ocean Springs trailed the Wildcats 36-19 with just under a minute to play in the third quarter. From there the Greyhounds went on a 15-2 run to the midpoint of the fourth quarter. Senior Nolan Wells got the Greyhounds going on a 3-point play, getting fouled on his way to the basket. He made the layup and sank the free throw.

Jayvon Williams drilled one from behind the arc to get the Greyhounds back within a single-digit lead at 38-31. JaColby Bailey and Christian Cowan would also sink threes down the stretch. Cowan’s three would get the Greyhounds within five of the Wildcats at 46-41 with 40 seconds left on the game clock.

Meridian would close out the win at the free throw line as the Wildcats sank five of six free throws during the last 30 seconds.

“You can’t put yourself in a 17-point hole that we were in against a good team,” said Ocean Springs coach Collin Goley. “I’m proud of our guys for fighting back. We almost gave ourselves a chance to win there at the end.

“Coach Norman does a great job throwing different things at you, running the half-court trap, the two-three zpone trap in the corners,” said Goley. “But it’s just another learning lesson playing against a good team. That’s why we do this.”

Meridian coach Ronald Norman previously coached at Pascagoula, and he was excited about returning to Pascagoula with a relatively young team.

“I appreciate my kids for letting me coach them the way I do,” said Norman., who has now registered sevn straight wins over OSHS dating back to his days at PHS. “I coach with passion. I think my kids reflect the way I coach. I like to think that I put a disciplined product on the floor. It’s just fun. This is my passion.”

Bailey led the Greyhounds scoring with 18 points. Jeremie Packer finished with 6 points.

Demonte Powe led Meridian with 22 points, including five 3-pointers. Jozyreun Horne finished with 8 points and Deontae Hopper with 7 points.

Meridian improves to 9-7 on the season, and their next game is at Petal on Tuesday. Ocean Springs moves to 8-9 on the season, and hosts Gulfport on Tuesday. The Wildcats also ended the season for the Greyhounds the last two seasons in the state playoffs.