After falling in the first round of the Panama City, Fla., basketball tournament, the Greenville Tigers rebounded in dominating fashion in the second game against Highland Home for the 79-68 win.

The Tigers opened a commanding 21-2 first period lead over the Flying Squadron and never looked back.

Nine players for the Tigers scored, led by junior Edward Searight with 21 points.

Tyus Robinson was close behind with 19 points.

&#8220Edward Searight is leading the way for us right now and Tyus Robinson is right behind Edward,” Greenville head coach Victor Smith said. &#8220Both of them are taking care of business.”

Darel Carter also had 10 points for the Tigers while Michael Peagler had nine, Andres Gentry had eight and James Daniels had seven.

For Highland Home, Cornell Bryant was the leading scorer with 14 points while Demond Sankey added 13 in the loss.

&#8220We are starting to play together and the defensive is picking up,” Smith said. &#8220We just had trouble scoring early in the season.”

Playing in tournaments like this one, Smith said, has been advantageous for a Tiger team that was delayed starting the season due to the extended football season.

&#8220This just gives us a chance to keep working on things and get better before January,” Smith said.

Rutherford (Panama City, Fla.) 61, Greenville 58

In the opening round of the Panama City, Fla. basketball tournament Thursday, the Greenville Tigers gave up an eight-point lead with less than three minutes remaining to fall to Rutherford High of Panama City, 61-58.

Edward Searight, who is averaging more than 20 points a game, had a team-high 18 points for the Tigers while Tyus Robinson wasn't far behind with 17 points of his own.

Darel Carter and Michael Peagler each had seven points while junior Casey Weston had six for the Tigers.

James Daniels and Andres Gentry also had two points apiece for Greenville.

For Rutherford, Dre Ross was the game's leading scorer with 21 points while teammate Jeremy Gathers had 14.