MHSAA GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Previewing the area teams who will be participating in the MHSAA Class 6A girls state basketball tournament this week at Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.

Matchup: Horn Lake (26-2) vs. Forest Hill (27-3) When: Wednesday, 1 p.m.

What to watch for: The Lady Eagles are already heading back to the Big House with one more victory than last season. Now, it’s just a matter of getting one back from the Lady Patriots, who eliminated them in the 2012 semifinals, 58-46. Coached by Tangela Banks, Forest Hill, out of Jackson, won’t have to travel very far for a shot at defending its state championship. Essence Pulliam and Claresa Banks, who combined to score 36 points in last year’s victory over Horn Lake, return to anchor the Lady Patriot senior class. Both of the Lady Eagles’ losses have come to Southaven. The squad coached by Janna Lyons has sights on Saturday’s title game.

Matchup: Southaven (26-5) vs. Harrison Central (25- 6) When: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

What to watch for: The Lady Chargers have a nice assortment of NCAA Division 1 signees: Aliyah Miller (Providence), Jasmine Joyner (UT- Chattanooga) and Joanna Smith (Buffalo), but it’s the contributions of star juniors — A’Queen Hayes and Olivia Cunningham — that are likely going to be the difference. The starting five must play together to erase the memory of last year’s 60-57 state semifinal loss to Hattiesburg. Coached by Nancy Ladner, the Gulfport-based Red Rebelettes have won 13 state championships in their school’s history.