FAIRHOPE, Ala.—It was a double debut at Fairhope High Tuesday as the Lady Pirates’ new head coach Tori Johnson led her team to a 59-31 win over visiting Spanish Fort and Poppins Biggs finally got into a varsity game after missing her entire freshman season due to injury.

Junior Sidney White led the Pirates with a pair of threes for 17 points, Kaylyn Bivins (two tres) and Simone Bracy scored eight points each. Biggs and Haley Melton had seven points each and McKinzey Dean added six points in the home opener. FHS made 8-of-18 free throws.

The Toros’s India James scored nine second-half points to finish with 14, Zoe McVay  added 10 and Victoria Morris five for a relatively young (no seniors) SF team which made 4-of-5 shots from the line. Spanish Fort has five sophomores, a freshman and two juniors on its varsity roster.

Fairhope took an early 5-2 lead when Biggs hit her first “Big Girl” basket about four minutes into the game. The home crowd cheered, many knowing the challenges of surgery and rehab the sophomore has endured to get back. She was  named the MVP of the Baldwin County eighth-grade tournament in 2012.

“Poppins is a fighter,” said Johnson. “She’s so dedicated. I know she was a part of the team last year, but was not able to play. But she worked hard and got herself ready and we’re glad she is.”

The Pirates built an 18-8 halftime lead off six steals and good passing but missed many scoring opportunities, including layups.

“There’s always something to work on,” Johnson said. “Like layups and just shooting better. We missed too many shots we should’ve made. But for a first game under a new coach, and to be so young, (Five sophomores, three juniors and two seniors) I was pleased with how they played. They played hard. I always preach all out effort and to play with a whole heart and I saw a lot of that out there. It all starts with defense and I think we have a good foundation here to build on.”

Johnson replaced longtime head coach Jessica Webb who assumed administrative duties this fall.

Known as a scrappy defensive, point and shooting guard at Southern Choctaw Academy and later a true shooting guard for  the University of West Alabama, Johnson came to Fairhope this year from Clarke County High after seven years there and leading the Bulldogs to the 4A state championship last March.

“I think I was just ready for some kind of change and really, honestly, looking for a challenge at a higher level,” said the Silas, Ala. native. “And I really love his area, too. So I thought this was a great opportunity and really happy to be here. I love the kids and the community is great.”

Fairhope will host Gulf Shores’ Lady Dolphins Thursday at 6 p.m. SFHS will host their Tip Off Tournament which starts Thursday (Nov. 7) and resumes Saturday (Nov. 9). The four-team tournament will feature Satsuma, Vigor, Flomaton and the Toros. Thursday’s games start with Vigor vs. Flomaton at 6 p.m. followed by SF vs. Satsuma at 7:30 p.m. at The Fort.