By SAM STAFF/Sports Writer

OCEAN SPRINGS — The Ocean Springs boys basketball team tipped off the new season in fine fashion Tuesday night.

The home-standing Greyhounds raced past Gautier 63-46 here at Hubbard Gymnasium in the regular season opener for both teams.

The two teams traded baskets in the opening period, as OSHS took a close 15-13 advantage into the second stanza. But The Greyhounds took command steadily as the second period unfolded, out-scoring the Gators 17-4 to take a 32-17 advantage into halftime and coast to the win.

Greyhound guard Christian Cowan drained a pair of 3-pointers in that opening period to help push OSHS ahead, but his teammate Jeremie Packer took over in that decisive second quarter registering 10 points to extend the lead to double digits for the home team.

Greyhound Christian Threatt added five points to that second quarter outburst, including a trey.

Packer recorded a double-double in the winning effort, as he tallied a game-high in both points with 20 and rebounds with 15. Cowan produced an all around solid effort in the win as well, with 13 points, eight assists and five boards.

For Gautier, the Gators placed a trio of players in double digits on the evening led by Ayden Isom with 17 points followed by Frederick Davis with 14 points and Evan Smith with 10 points. Smith also registered a double-double with 12 rebounds, and Isom added six assists.