Hawks Last-Minute Rally Takes Down Millsaps

JACKSON, Miss.- Off the heels of their loss to the MUW Owls yesterday, Huntingdon Women's Basketball returned to action at the Millsaps Thanksgiving Classic, rallying late to secure their first victory of the 2025 season over the host Majors, 57-54. 

First Quarter

Millsaps, entering tonight's contest with a 5-1 overall record, got out to a 16-11 lead over the Hawks by the end of the first quarter. The two teams traded blows early offensively, as Charity Shaw and Makayla Ford generated six of Huntingdon's first 8 points, but the Majors still maintained a 16-8 lead by the 2:51 mark. Jayla Carter drilled a three on the ensuing possession for the final points of the period, keeping the Hawks in contention as the second quarter got underway.

Second Quarter

Huntingdon found their stride in all aspects of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Millsaps 21-10 to grab the momentum as the first half came to a close. Jillian Baine, Abby Byrd, Carter, and Ford guided the Hawks offensive attack early in the quarter, each contributing as Huntingdon secured a 21-20 lead by the 6 minute mark. Each squad hit their stride offensively coming down the stretch in the quarter, with the Hawks lead remaining at four, 28-24, with 1:42 to go following Dalyce Sanders' layup. Kennedi McCray and Baine each cashed in on shots near the rim just before halftime to extend Huntingdon's advantage to 32-26 heading into the break. 

Third Quarter

The third quarter mirrored the first on the scoreboard, as the Majors outpaced Huntingdon to the tune of 16-11. Millsaps opened the quarter on a 7-2 run, tying things at 34 by the 7:23 mark. Charity Shaw followed with a jumper to put Huntingdon back in front immediately after, but the Majors still managed to grab a 42-39 lead with 2:14 to go. Not to be outdone however, Ashanti Thomas and Makayla Ford each finished through contact as the quarter drew to a close, with the Hawks taking a 43-42 lead into the final quarter of play. 

Fourth Quarter

The final quarter of play proved to be a back-and-forth affair, as Huntingdon edged the Majors 14-12 to walk away with the victory. Millsaps came out of the gates on fire, leading things off with a 6-0 scoring run that saw their lead grow to 48-43 with a little less than six minutes to go. Their hot shooting saw their lead reach as much as eight, 52-44, entering the final four minutes of play, but Huntingdon responded in a big way- outscoring the Majors 13-2 the rest of the way. Deshauna Foote caught fire down the stretch, scoring 8 of the points for the Hawks, including a three that cut the deficit to one and another that brought the Huntingdon lead to two with seven seconds remaining in regulation. Kennedi McCray iced the game away with a free throw in the final moments to hand the Hawks the 57-54 lead. 

Hawk Top Performers

• #2 Deshauna Foote- 8 points, 3 assists, 100% shooting from the field and three, game-winning shot
• #4 Kennedi McCray- 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
• #25 Charity Shaw- 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist

The Hawks will look to keep rolling on December 5th as they travel to face Berry College. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM CT.