BRANDON – The Lawrence County Cougars clawed out a 54-53 win over the Florence Bearcats in consolation-bracket basketball Friday at the Northwest Rankin Holiday Classic. A ShaCorey Pittman free throw with about one minute left gave the Cougars the lead in the back-and-forth battle.

The LCHS defense then held off four Florence possessions to assure the Cougars of their fourth win. In girls’ play, Florence defeated Lawrence County by a score of 67-49.

The boys’ game was close throughout. Lawrence County led by three (11-8) after one quarter, and held a one-point lead (24-23) at halftime. Florence knotted the score at 36-36 through three quarters, with the Cougars ultimately holding on for their one-point win.

Pat Bridges’ Cougars improved to 4-9 with the win. Florence, coached by Perry Fletcher, fell to 6-6 on the season.

“It was a good win for our team,” said Bridges. “We needed to win one of those close ones before division play starts. We’ve got the youngest team we’ve ever put on the floor, and they need to develop the confidence to win those tight, tense games.”

Pittman had a good game, with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Led by Pittman, the Cougars’ assist total (17) topped their turnover total (13). Keith Davis had 13 points and seven rebounds. Keyshawn Feazell led the Lawrence County in rebounding with nine.

Howard Smith led Florence with 20 points, and Khari Parker added 14.

In the girls’ game, Vicki Rutland’s Lady Cougars gave it a good fight for one half. Florence led just 29-26 at the half, but blew the game open in the third quarter.

Nautica Moore led the Lady Bearcats with 21 points, and Mar’Kenya Jones added 17.

Briana Errington and Deneisha Dickson each scored nine points to lead Lawrence County. All nine of Errington’s points came on three-pointers. DaKendra Collins added seven points. The Lady Cougars shot free throws exceptionally well, hitting 18 of 22. Florence attempted 40 free throws in the slow-moving game, converting 24.

The Lady Cougars fell to 3-12 on the season.

“We didn’t play an awful game,” said Rutland, who has guided Lawrence County to the 4A South State tournament for five straight seasons. “The girls competed really well in the first half, but it got away from us in the third quarter. They got on a run with some steals and easy baskets.”

Lawrence County was slated to play its final contests at Northwest Rankin on Saturday. Results were not available at press time. LCHS will play host to Brookhaven on Friday.