WESSON -Defending state tournament champion Holmes CommunityCollege was hit hard by graduation but the Bulldogs are blessedwith a host of talented newcomers. A near-capacity crowd watchedthem dominate the Co-Lin Wolves 76-62 Thursday night in MullenGymnasium.

The Bulldogs (1-1), rebounding from a Monday night setback atJones County Junior College, led by as much as 27 points, 58-31,midway through the second half. They were led by freshman guardQuentin Pryor of Eupora and 6-6 sophomore forward Sandrell Spann ofJackson (Provine) with 16 points each.

Holmes, under the direction of Todd Kimble, shot the lights outfrom 3-point land when Co-Lin began collapsing on the Bulldogs’inside game. They got 3 treys from sophomore point guard BrianCronin of Madison and 2 from Pryor.

“We have a chance to have a good team,” said Kimble. “Thematerials are there but the maturity isn’t there yet.”

Kimble said he had just one starter back from last season’sstate title team. “Our strength is inside. Co-Lin started backingoff our guards and that left them open to make some big shots.”

The Bulldogs accounted for 7 treys in the second half. Theyoutrebounded Co-Lin 32-18.

Co-Lin got a game-high 21 points from sophomore forward JasonScott and 19 from sophomore guard Jerimie Collier in the seasonopener. They were the only Co-Lin players in double figures as theWolves made 21 of 31 field goal attempts from 2-point range and 4of 10 from beyond the arc.

Co-Lin trailed by 20 points, 38-18, at halftime. The Wolvesreduced their deficit to 13 points, 61-48, with 6:29 left on a dunkby Scott.

“We played a little bit better the second half,” said Co-Linmen’s coach Dennis Sims. “We didn’t get anything consistent out ofour offensive scheme.

“We must get better offensively,” Sims added. “I saw some brightspots.”

Sims said he was impressed by the Bulldogs. “I’ve been coaching19 years in this league and Holmes has to be among the top fiveteams in size and strength that I’ve ever seen.”

Spann, a 230-pounder, collected 10 rebounds. Jermaine Willis(6-7, 250) scored 5 points before fouling out. Jeremy Cable (6-5,240), from Jackson (Murrah) grabbed 8 rebounds.