BOGUE CHITTO – The Bogue Chitto Lady Cats and the Salem Wildcats secured victories in basketball action Thursday night in Bogue Chitto’s new gym.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Cats provided a late surge in the fourth quarter to remain unbeaten on their floor with a 60-52 win over the Lady Wildcats.

In boys action, Salem managed to defend off the Bobcats’ second half rally to escape with a 72-63 victory.

Bogue Chitto returns to action Tuesday as they welcome the Wesson Cobras and Lady Cobras to their new facilities for four games. Junior high action tips off at 4 and 5 p.m. followed by the varsity games.

Salem resumes action Saturday as they visit West Lincoln for a pair of varsity games. The girls game is set to start at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

Bogue Chitto 60, Salem 52 

In a battle of Lady Cats, BC and Salem fought back and forth in a tough, defensive contest. BC (7-2) managed to claim a 30-24 lead at halftime and held off Salem in the second half to secure the win.

Mattie Avants and Christian Black were the offensive leader for Bogue Chitto with 13 points apiece. Zariah Matthews chipped in with 11 points. Karlie Williams contributed 10 points. Earlnesheia Dillon and Black were the top rebounders with six rebounds apiece.

“Defensively, we struggled all night,” said BC coach Christi Terrell. “We gave up too many points in the paint. Offensively, we just could not maintain our leads at times. We still have a lot of things to work on and we need to keep improving game by game.”

Ariel Fortenberry paced Salem’s offense with 19 points, before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Markeria Butler provided 17 points.

Salem 72, Bogue Chitto 63 

The boys game was basically similar to the girls action. Salem came out on fire in the first half and a comfortable 44-27 lead at halftime. In the second half, BC sparked a rally and trimmed into Salem’s lead but could not overcome the hole they dug earlier.

Dennis Rogers and Damien Terrell directed the Bobcats’ charge with with 24 points apiece. Jeremiah Perkins pace BC on the boards with 10 rebounds.

“We played a lot better in the second half,” said BC coach Mark Pitts. “Salem came out and played hard in the first half to set the tone of the game early. I saw some positive things we can build on, but our main concern is to get ready for district.”

Donovan Harness was the top scorer for the Wildcats with 18 points. Austin Fazande and Shannon Damond added 15 points each.

“Glad to get the win,” said Salem coach Randy Laird. “Offensively, we played really good in the first half, but struggled in the second half. Bogue Chitto has a very good team and they did a good job rallying back.”

In junior varsity girls action,  the Bogue Chitto Lady Cats claimed a 21-16 victory over Salem.

Shay Jefferson pumped in a game-high 14 points to lead BC. Yasmine Quinn directed the Lady Wildcats with eight points.