VALLEY–After struggling against the full-court press on Monday, the Valley boys (2-1) scored early and often against Bullock County, defeating the Hornets on Tuesday 72-54.

“I think we played better team ball,” Valley coach Marshon Harper said. “We came out in the beginning with some intensity. We got some steals and easy buckets.”

Valley’s defensive pressure started from the first possession. The Hornets won the tip but quickly turned the ball over, leading to a quick layup for Valley. Valley was able to set up its defense and pressure the ball.

“You always want to strike first. That’s a goal because then you have a little room for error,” Harper said. “We said we’re going to put some pressure on them and score some easy buckets.”

The Rams led by four heading into the second quarter, where they were able to start getting easy baskets, going on a 7-1 run in the first two minutes of the second quarter.

That lead steadily grew throughout the quarter, as the Rams entered the halftime break up 23 (Valley led 37-14).

At the break, Harper made sure to keep his team focused, as it was able to close the double-digit halftime deficit to a single possession just 24 hours earlier.

“At any given time, anything can happen,” Harper said to his team at halftime. “Just keep playing when we go out in the second half.”

The Hornets actually outscored the Rams in the second half 40-35, but just as their girls’ team, Bullock County couldn’t overcome the second-quarter deficit.

Junior Jacquez Trammell led the team in scoring, finishing with 22 points. Harper praised his ability to shoot from deep while pushing the issue inside on Monday.

Sophomore KD Hutchinson added 20 points, nine assists and two steals. Kalen Sherrell added 12 points, while Demarice Farrow finished with 10 points and five assists. Farrow hit a pair of threes in the game.

The bench was an area that Harper needed to get more production than he did against Harris County.

The Rams answered their coach as they combined to score almost 25 points.

“They came out and executed today,” Harper said. 

Valley hosts LaFayette on Friday. The first game is set for 5:30 p.m.