The News staff reports

BEAUMONT — Only one team has come within a single-digit margin of beating Port Arthur Memorial in boys basketball. That’s how good the Titans are.

Memorial led by double digits for much of the way against Ozen on Tuesday, and it resulted in the Titans’ 59-48 victory, their ninth in a row.

Jyson Butler scored 16 points to lead Memorial (17-5, 4-0 in 22-5A), which was a showdown at home Friday against Nederland. Thailan Wesley contributed 15 points, while Nate Clover and Jamyus Jones combined for 16 points.

The Titans led 32-22 at halftime.

Sabine Pass 68, Lighthouse 33

SABINE PASS — Daniel Sam scored 42 points in almost 27 minutes, and the Sharks (8-9) won their final tuneup before District 24-2A play begins.

Sam shot 19 for 25 from the floor, including a 4-for-6 effort from three-point range.

Aside from Sam’s performance, the Sharks found a little more balance than usual in their scoring, as six more players found the net. Harold James had 10 points in the win.

Sabine Pass begins district play against Hull-Daisetta on Friday.

GIRLS HOOPS

PNG 45, Nederland 33

NEDERLAND — Harlee Barnwell controlled the boards Tuesday night on her way to another double-double, and PNG (15-16, 2-4 in 22-5A) won its second in a row.

Barnwell pulled down 15 rebounds to go with 14 points. She also had three steals and a block.

Mollee Priddy led PNG with 16 points, three rebounds and two steals. Maylin Stampley added eight points and four swipes, Chelsea Carrillo six points and six rebounds and Britney Brevell two steals.

Ozen 61, Memorial 36

In Port Arthur, there wasn’t much slowing visiting Ozen.

Julia Sion scored 14 points for the Titans while three Panthers finished in double figures. Jacie Gibbs had eight points and Diacha Kimble seven for Memorial.