TYLERTOWN – The Wesson Cobras did not show any signs of holiday rust as they shut down West Lincoln’s high octane offense and prevail 69-59 Friday night in Dexter’s Holiday Tournament.

In other boys’ tournament action, the Salem Wildcats slip past the West Marion Trojans 56-55 and in the nightcap finale, the South Pike Eagles soared past the Dexter Bulldogs 102-55.

The Cobras (9-4) will welcome the Bears (11-3) to the Snake Pitt Tuesday in a pivotal matchup as both team are tied one game apiece in the three game series. Tipoff is slated to start at 7:30 p.m. or at the conclusion of the girls game.

Wesson 69, West Lincoln 59 

The Cobras and Bears provided an exciting matchup for their basketball fans.

Wesson came out strong in the opening quarter and took an early 9-0 lead before West Lincoln could managed charge back as the Cobras held a 18-17 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the fireworks continued as both teams hustle up and down the court trading baskets, but Wesson managed to increase their lead 34-30 at halftime.

In the second half, Wesson clearly outplayed West Lincoln both offensive and defensively. The Cobras outscored the Bears 18-9 in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, West Lincoln’s offense finally woke up from the holiday slumber and outscored Wesson 20-17, but the Cobras managed to defend off the Bears late rally by slowing down West Lincoln’s offense at the end with patience ball control to run out the clock.

Junior guard Dartavious Dixon was the offensive leader for the Cobras with 18 points and six rebounds. Marquis Lofton chipped in 16 points. Anthony Jones contributed 12 points. Farrod Green paced Wesson on the boards with 10 rebounds.

“We came out with good intensity,” said Wesson coach Rusty Newman. “The guys did a great job defensively by defending West Lincoln’s shooters early. Offensively, we played well and controlled the tempo. Overall, I was pleased with the guys effort.”

Junior guard Duane Marshall paced the Bears’ offense with a game-high double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ronnie Edwards added assistance with 12 points. Senior center Sam Bivens helped with eight points, five rebounds and five blocked shots.

“Wesson came ready to play and we did not,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young. “They took it to us from start to finish. Wesson deserves the win.

“I have preached to my guys to we need to be ready to play everyday and quit playing selfish ball or something like will happen,” added Young. “We got exactly what we deserve. Hopefully, we can learn from this lesson and continue getting better.”