In a super-charged evening, Greenville Academy hosted Catherine Academy on Tuesday, and after two overtime periods, surfaced as the victors, with a final score of 55-51.

"The kids have played all season with their hearts and guts," said Tornado Head Coach Ronnie Pouncey. "They do exactly what I tell them to do, and they really deserved this win tonight."

In what was actually a closely matched game, the Tornados were tied with the Colts at the end of the first period, with a score of nine all.

Then at the half, Catherine was ahead by one with a score of 18-17.

The Tornados came back from the break with determination, and the game was again tied after three periods at 27 all.

In the last minute of the fourth period, G.A. was down by six points, with a score of 37-31, when with eight seconds on the clock, Jamie Parrish made a three-pointer to bump the score to 37-34, Catherine.

Then, with just two seconds left, Parrish put up a phenomenally long three-pointer to make the shot, and tie the game at 37-37, putting the game into overtime.

"I couldn't believe it, he hit the three-pointer with just two seconds-it was amazing," said Pouncey.

Coming back for the first overtime period, each team made 10 points, and when the final horn blew, the game was once again tied, at 47 all.

This time, the Tornados came back with a vengeance, and would only let the Colts score a mere four points, to their own eight, making the final score Greenville Academy 55, Catherine Academy 51.

"Jamie Parrish was on the money with his three-pointers, Travis Watson made several crucial rebounds, and Josh Burt and Michael Cauthen were right there for the scoring, too," said Pouncey.

Burt and Parrish were tied to lead the scoring for the Tornados, each making 14 points.

Parrish made four three-pointers, and two free throws, and Burt's scoring included two three-pointers and two free throws.

Michael Cauthen scored 11 points, including one three-pointer.

Watson led on rebounds, and Blakely Ward led on assists.

"The young boys really stepped up tonight," Pouncey said. "We're really tickled to win one."

When the game was over, Coach Pouncey received a ceremonious shower from the water bottles, and Parrish was hoisted up to shoulders and carried off the court.

The Tornados will host Central in an area game on Friday, Jan. 19, and will host Taylor Road on Monday, Jan. 22. Games begin at 4 p.m. with the junior varsity taking the court.

The J.V. Tornados will be on the road Saturday, when they compete in the AISA Jr. High tournament at Wilcox, also starting at 4 p.m.