In an offensive game, it was a defensive play that sent a message.

Wilcox Central’s all-everything Michael Williams attacked the basket again.

The high-flying Texas-signee had already slammed home a pair of crowd-pleasing jams as he led the home-standing Jaguars.

Williams got the ball and attacked the rim for another ferocious jam.

But something funny happened on his way to the highlight reel, Dallas County’s Daron Waters leapt up and swatted the ball back.

Waters was whistled for a foul that drew groans from the crowd.

It didn’t make much difference in the end.

Wilcox, playing like the team that won the 5-A state championship, went on to pound the Hornets.

However even in a losing effort the message was clear for the Hornets and their fans, help is on the way.

After sitting out the first half of the season, front court players Daron Waters and Vencient Moore returned to play at Wilcox Central.

While the rust showed at times, the duo showed the ability to step up and help the Hornets down the stretch.

In Wilcox, the Hornets ran into a very talented team.

While the Jaguars have struggled at times this season, their were hitting on all cylinders against Dallas County.

It was the latest in a tough string of games for the Hornets since the injury to post player Patrick Jackson.

Jackson, who had been playing outstanding basketball, took an elbow to the mouth a few weeks ago.

He will be out until the end of January as he recovers from oral surgery.

With Jackson out, Michael Johnson had very little help down low and faced nearly a constant double team.

Now, with Waters and Moore, the Hornets have more options.

Despite being 6-9 on the season, the Hornets are in the catbird seat in their area.

The coach scheduled an intentionally tough road for his team.

They’re 2-7 on tournament games, but they’ve faced some tough teams that will help them down the road.