The Thomas County Yellow Jackets triumphed over the Cairo Syrupmakers in a closely contested basketball game on January 13, 2026, with a final score of 72-68. The match showcased strong defensive efforts from both teams, with the Yellow Jackets ultimately holding off a late rally from the Syrupmakers.
The game began with a slow pace, as the Syrupmakers took an early lead when Malik Greene scored the first points, putting Cairo ahead 4-0. The Yellow Jackets responded with Colby Mullinax making two free throws, narrowing the gap. As the first quarter progressed, Cairo maintained control with baskets from CJ Hammonds and Stevan Thornton, extending their lead to six points. Additionally, Hammonds hit a three-pointer, while Donovan Murray matched his shot to keep the game competitive.
As the first quarter came to a close, Mullinax managed to sink a three-pointer as time expired, reducing the Syrupmakers’ advantage to five points.
The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as both teams battled for dominance. The Syrupmakers began the half strong, with Hammonds hitting another three and KJ Hammonds scoring a layup, pushing their lead to eight. However, Yellow Jackets’ Eric Love III responded with a layup, keeping the game tight.
The intensity increased as Love drove to the basket, converting an and-one opportunity and later stealing the ball for another layup. This surge allowed the Yellow Jackets to tie the game at 24, with a tip-in from Braden Cray sealing the score.
With under four minutes left in the half, the lead exchanged hands multiple times. Greene’s layup gave the Syrupmakers a brief lead, but O’Neal’s three-pointer allowed the Jackets to reclaim the advantage. By the end of the half, Central held an eight-point lead after a series of successful plays.
As the second half commenced, both teams continued to exchange leads, with Bryian Duncan hitting a three for Cairo and Love answering back with a layup. Midway through the third quarter, the Jackets managed to extend their lead to 12 points, but the Syrupmakers refused to back down. CJ Hammonds cut the deficit with a late three-pointer, narrowing the gap to six as the quarter concluded.
Entering the final quarter, the Syrupmakers struck first, with KJ Hammonds assisting his brother CJ for a three-pointer to bring the game within one. The momentum shifted again as Love stole a pass, scoring to regain the lead for the Jackets.
The game remained tightly contested in the waning minutes, with both teams trading baskets. The Syrupmakers took a brief lead after Greene made two free throws. But a crucial layup from Dennis allowed the Jackets to regain the advantage.
With the clock winding down, Love showcased his skills by driving to the rim, drawing a foul, and converting both free throws to give Central a three-point lead. Despite a late push from the Syrupmakers, Mullinax sealed the victory by making four consecutive free throws, finalizing the score at 72-68.
Mullinax led the Yellow Jackets with an impressive 24 points, supported by Love with 23 points and O’Neal contributing six. For the Syrupmakers, CJ Hammonds was the standout player, scoring 22 points, while Greene added 13 and Duncan finished with 12.
Looking ahead, the Yellow Jackets will face Lee County at home on January 13, 2026, at 19:30, while the Syrupmakers are set to play against Seminole County on the road at the same time.