After a quick start from Sulphur Springs, Wylie found its footing on the defensive end Thursday.

Trailing 19-11 early in the second quarter, the Pirates started to get stops and went on to defeat Sulphur Springs 65-56 in their opening game of the Forney ISD Winter Classic. Donaven Davis led the way with 18 points, while Gesi Jituboh scored 11 points — all in the second half — to help spark the comeback.

Chipping away at the lead in the second half, Wylie took the lead at the end of the third quarter when Jituboh scored four points to end the quarter. He went on a 9-2 run by himself, hitting a 3-pointer from the corner to give the Pirates a 47-43 advantage. Wylie converted on six of their eight free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

In the second game of the day Thursday night against Dallas Carter, Wylie’s strong first half led the team to a 67-63 victory. Davis led the team again with 16 points, while Jordan Hudgins added 14.

Wylie continues through the weekend in Forney, taking on Waco Friday at 1:30 and Forney at 6 p.m. The result of all four games will determine when the Pirates play on Saturday.

For the complete story, see next week’s edition of The Wylie News. Support your community newspaper for less than $40 a year.

By Kyle Grondin • [email protected]