Franklin County’s football-minded basketball team got its firstwin Tuesday night, thanks to an 18-point outburst by senior guardBobby Henderson. His 8 fourth-quarter points lifted the Bulldogs toa 45-39 triumph over the host West Lincoln Bears in Jack CaseGymnasium.

In the varsity girls game, West Lincoln whipped Franklin County58-45, directed by playmaker guard Dana King’s 16-pointperformance. In a preliminary junior varsity boys game, FranklinCounty beat West Lincoln 32-26.

West Lincoln resumes play Friday night, hosting Loyd Star.Franklin County hosts Natchez Friday.

The Bulldogs (1-1) had eight football playersjoin Coach Chris Jordan’s squad after Friday night’s Class 3Aplayoff loss to Newton County. Henderson provided the winning sparkwith a pair of treys in the fourth quarter. Zach Thomas shed hisshoulder pads and helmet, collecting 10 points, including a clutchrebound in the final minute and a tomahawk dunk with 11 secondsleft to play.

“It’s been kind of a circus for us, just getting eight back fromthe football team,” said Jordan. “Henderson hit some threes when weneeded them.”

Jordan’s Bulldogs led 30-29 starting the fourth quarter. WestLincoln forward Luke Lofton hit a free throw to tie the score at30-30 but Henderson and Deandra Cameron sacked back-to-back treys,giving the ‘Dogs a 36-30 margin.

West Lincoln got 2 straight field goals from Dorian Dunn and a15-foot jumper from Tyler Smith, reducing the Bears’ deficit to38-37 but Henderson swished another trey.

“We played pretty good defense and gave a good effort,” saidWest Lincoln first-year coach Lane Young. “We must get moreconsistent.”

Smith, a redheaded sophomore, led the Bears with 12 points. Dunnhad 10 points and Sam Collins collected 6 rebounds but the athleticBulldogs owned the backboards.

The Lady Bears (2-1) battled to a 20-20halftime deadlock. They outscored the Lady Bulldogs 17-8 in thethird quarter and took control of the contest.

King was joined in double figures by sophomore guard LaurenSmith with 14 points. King also had 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2steals. Alicia Kennedy directed the rebounding effort with 11boards. Hanna Roberts had 6 rebounds.

The Lady Bulldogs (0-2), under the direction of new head coachCharles Moore, were winless in 26 games last season under formerboss Albert Cain. Moore is a 1976 FCHS graduate.

Moore got 16 points from sophomore Ashley Weathersby and 11 fromTamara Gant. The Lady ‘Dogs only made 9 of 30 free throws.

In the JV boys game, 10 points by Deandra Davisand 8 by Jasper O’Quinn led the Bulldog victory. The Bears got 6points from Mark Case and 5 from Blake Pickering.

GIRLS

West Lincoln 58, Franklin County 45

Franklin Co. (45) Ashley Weathersby 16, King 5, Cameron 3, Gant11, Williams 7, Rogers 3, Chaney 2.

West Lincoln (58) Dana King 16, Franklin 3, L. Smith 14, Al.Kennedy 6, Roberts 4, Johnson 6, Price 5, Avants 4.

Total fouls: Franklin Co. 14. West Lincoln 23. Fouledout-Cameron.

Free Throws M-A: Franklin Co. 9-30. West Lincoln 7-11.

3-point goals: King 4, L. Smith 2, Williams, Rogers,Franklin.

BOYS

Franklin County 45, West Lincoln 39

Franklin Co. (45) Bobby Henderson 18, Cameron 3, Thomas 10,Netherland 5, J. O’Quinn 5, Bradford 4.

West Lincoln (39) Tyler Smith 12, Lofton 7, Fells 5, Collins 5,Dunn 10.

Total fouls: Franklin Co. 17. West Lincoln 15. Fouledout-none.

Free Throws M-A: Franklin Co. 4-9. West Lincoln 7-11.

3-point goals: Henderson 4, T. Smith 2, J. O’Quinn, Netherland,Cameron.