Walters State's offense takes off in Sophomore Day win over Jackson State

MORRISTOWN, TN – Michael Houge and Ty Hurst combined for 55 points on Saturday afternoon against Jackson State as Walters State took care of the Green Jays, 120-76.

With the win, Walters State finished the regular season with a 20-10 record and were 12-6 in TCCAA play. It's the first 20-win season for the Senators since 2018-19.

"It was nice for our guys to feel comfortable and get a win before the tournament," Walters State coach Bill Carlyle said. "It's been a good season. We won 20 games. That's always a milestone and maybe we can win a few more.

"I thought we played well (on Saturday). We played them the first time, and they shot the lights out. We tried to put more pressure on them this time, and I thought that hurt them big time."

It was Sophomore Day for the Senators as well, as they honored five sophomores. Those honored were Elijah Davis, Michael Houge, Ty Hurst, Destin Barker and Riley Cooper. 

Houge led the way for Walters State in the game. Houge had 31 points and 13 rebounds for his 19th double-double of the season. Houge scored double figures in all 30 games of the regular season. 

Along with Houge, Hurst was equally as good with 24 points on 10-15 shooting. Other contributors for Walters State were Malachi Hale with 13 points and five rebounds, Micah Simpson with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists, Destin Barker with 10 points and five rebounds, Wade Pelfrey with 10 points and four assists, Jaylen Wharton with eight points and nine rebounds, Saevion Brown with seven points and seven assists and Elijah Davis with six points and 11 assists. 

As a team the Senators shot 58% from the field and pulled down 53 rebounds. They also had 32 assists.

It was all Walters State from the opening tip as they scored 64 points in the opening 20 minutes and led 64-32. Houge had 21 points and eight rebounds in the opening half while Hurst knocked down three 3-pointers and had 13 points. Barker added six points. 

The second half was more of the same as Walters State scored 56 more points to break 100 for the eighth time this season. Hurst had 11 points in the half on 5-6 shooting while Houge added 10. Hale added nine points, as well. 

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action next weekend as they begin play in the TCCAA/Region VII Tournament at Roane State. 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics