BOGUE CHITTO – The Bogue Chitto Lady Cats and Wesson Cobras captured a split in basketball action to start the 2013 portion of their season Friday night in R.L. “Bob” Calhoun Gymnasium.

     In the girls’ game, freshman center Christian Black pumped in 14 points to lead four players in double figures as the Lady Cats knocked off the Lady Cobras 57-45.

     In boys’ action, Dartavious Dixon netted 16 points to lead the Cobras past the Bobcats 69-60.

     BC returns to the hardwood Tuesday. They visit Brookhaven to battle the Panthers and Lady Panthers. The varsity girls tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

     Wesson starts Region 7-2A action Tuesday. The Cobras and Lady Cobras host Amite County for three games. The junior varsity boys begin at 5 p.m. The varsity girls start at 6, followed by the boys.

Bogue Chitto 57, Wesson 45

     In a battle between two well-coached teams, the Lady Cobras and Lady Cats kicked off 2013 with a classic bout.

     In the first quarter, Wesson came out strong and grabbed an 8-0 lead. BC finally got on the scoreboard late in the first quarter when Black drained a two-pointer from the right post to spark the Lady Cats with 5 minutes left.

     The Lady Cobras secured a 13-10 lead after one quarter of action.

     In the second quarter, Wesson continued to battle back and forth with the Lady Cats and took a 28-23 lead into halftime.

     In the second half, BC managed to knock off the holiday rust and outscored the Lady Cobras 34-17 to claim the win.

     Zariah Matthews, Adrienne Wallace and Earlnesheia Dillon contributed 10 points each to help the Lady Cats (16-2, 1-0). Black was the leader on the boards with 8 rebounds. Wallace collected 7 steals.

     “This was a big win to get after the holiday break,” said BC coach Christi Terrell. “We came out really sluggish and did not shoot the ball well. Overall, we have got to get back into the swing of things and get consistent as the season moves on.”

     Junior guard Brandi McInnis pumped in a game-high 17 points to lead the Lady Cobras (8-10, 1-0). Xzaviah James led on the boards with 5 rebounds.

     “We cannot win, committing 34 turnovers and missing free throws in clutch situations,” said Wesson coach Rusti Magee. “Our inexperience killed us down the stretch. Now, we must regroup and get ready for a tough week of district games.”

Wesson 69, Bogue Chitto 60

     The Cobras and Bobcats provided their basketball fans with plenty of offensive fireworks as both teams ran the floor.

     Wesson seized control of the first quarter to take an 18-14 lead. In the second quarter, the Cobras managed to increase their lead to 36-32 at halftime.

     In the second half, BC and Wesson continued their offensive battle. The Cobras held on for the win as they outscored the Bobcats 33-28.

     Senior forward Patrick Lumley contributed 13 points to help lead the Cobras (12-6, 1-0). Terry Brown provided a double-double for Wesson with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 8 steals.

     “Overall we played pretty sloppy,” said Wesson coach Rusty Newman. “We did not shoot the ball very well at all and turned the ball over way too much. Bogue Chitto hurt us on the boards with their size. They also shot the ball extremely well.

     “Our defensive pressure forced a lot of turnovers which led to easy offensive opportunities for us. We are extremely fortunate to come out with a win tonight. Overall, I am proud of my guys for fighting hard and finding a way to get the job done. This was a good win to get before jumping in the district play over the next nine games.”

     Senior Germie Martin was BC’s offensive leader with 16 points for the Bobcats (3-14, 1-0). Dennis Rogers poured in 14 points. Zach Perkins added 11 points and Theo Simmons had 10.

     “We came out and played really well in the first three quarters,” said BC coach Gareth Sartin. “Turnovers killed us in the fourth quarter. We have got to do a better job protecting the ball and limit our turnovers as we get ready for our district run.”

     In junior high action, Bogue Chitto split with Wesson.

     The Lady Cats top the Lady Cobras 32-18. Charyanna Collins led BC with 8 points. Aurianna Vaughn directed Wesson with 8 points.

     In the boys’ game, Wesson thumped Bogue Chitto 57-31. Eric Rhymes pumped in a game-high 16 points to lead the Cobras. Brian Thomas added 15 points. The Bobcats was led in scoring by Henry Thomas with 13 points.