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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

HELENA – The Helena Huskies showed their strength on both ends of the floor in a commanding win over the Bibb County Choctaws, but the defense in particular paved the way for their third straight win.

Helena defeated Bibb County 59-17 on Monday, Dec. 16 at Helena High School to continue its strong recent form with its eighth win in the last 10 games.

It was also a special night for the Huskies as they welcomed back former players and students for Alumni Night.

On the court, Kevin Pinkard powered a strong start on the offensive end with seven points in the first quarter. Tyler Anderson and Denton McDonald each hit shots from the field in the first quarter while Joseph King and Nate Ferguson got their evening going with free throws.

That helped Helena score 17 points in the first. The defense also helped pace the way to a double-digit lead as the Huskies allowed just five points in the opening period to take a 12-point lead into the second quarter.

Helena’s stifling defense only intensified in the second and didn’t allow a single additional point before the halftime break.

The Huskies took advantage on the other end of the floor, adding 12 more points to the lead thanks to four points from Drew Davis to open his scoring account for the evening along with contributions from King, Pinkard and Cash Gallahan.

As a result, Helena took a 29-5 lead into the halftime break, one that only grew as the second half started.

After scoring five points in the first half, King kicked into high gear in the third quarter, scoring eight points to get into double figures. He was one of five Huskies scorers in the third who outscored the Choctaws 18-8 to keep adding to the lead.

Helena’s lead increased to 47-13 at the end of the third quarter, and the hosts continued to cruise from there.

Taking advantage of opportunities late, Elijah Hudson scored his first five points of the game and Anderson and Gallahan each knocked down field goals to finish out the dominant 42-point victory.

King led the Huskies with 15 points, including a 7-for-8 performance from the free throw line. Pinkard joined him in double figures with 11 points, Davis and Ferguson each scored seven points and Anderson finished with six points. In addition, Gallahan and Hudson each had five points.

Helena will turn around quickly and face the Thompson Warriors for the third time this season, this time back at Warrior Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.