Yuan Nichols | Sports Journalist

Chargers outscore Starkville 34–16 in the second half to complete comeback win over the state’s top-ranked team.

Germantown, Miss. — Thursday, Feb. 6

No. 4 Germantown delivered one of its biggest wins of the season Thursday night, rallying from a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat No. 1 Starkville 48–46 at Germantown High School.

Starkville controlled the game early, using defensive pressure and strong rebounding to build an 18–6 lead after the first quarter. The Yellow Jackets continued attacking the paint and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, holding Germantown to just 14 first-half points while taking a 30–14 advantage into halftime.

Starkville’s defensive intensity forced Germantown into difficult offensive possessions early, repeatedly driving into the lane and challenging Germantown’s interior defense anchored by Sam Funches.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter.

Germantown slowed the tempo and began attacking the paint more effectively, finding passing lanes into soft spots of Starkville’s defense. The offensive push was led by Devion Moore, who scored 10 points in the third quarter to ignite the comeback effort.

By the end of the period, Germantown had cut the deficit to 37–31, setting up a high-pressure fourth quarter between two of the state’s top teams.

Germantown completed the comeback midway through the fourth quarter, taking its first lead of the game with six minutes remaining. The Chargers continued to apply defensive pressure while controlling possessions offensively.

In the closing minute, Germantown held a 47–43 lead before Starkville responded with a clutch three-pointer to cut the margin to one. Germantown pushed the lead to 48–46 with 9.7 seconds remaining following a free throw opportunity.

On Starkville’s final possession, the Yellow Jackets attempted a game-tying layup over Funches but were unable to convert, sealing the comeback victory for Germantown.

After being held to just 14 first-half points, Germantown responded by outscoring Starkville 34–16 in the second half, fueled by defensive adjustments and more aggressive offensive execution.

The win marks a statement performance for Germantown against the state’s top-ranked team as postseason play approaches.