The Bobcats and Lady Bobcats got the better of McLaurin Tuesday night, setting right losses to Tigers from the previous night.

Although scrappy at times, both Bogue Chitto squads’ defenses were able to hold McLaurin at bay, while both offenses managed to put the numbers up on the board. After falling to McLaurin on Monday, Bogue Chitto’s two groups made up for the losses, as the Lady Cats beat the Lady Tigers 51-48, and the boys won their game 59-53.

“The team played hard, and our offense and defense played good. The win was a team effort,” sophomore Cheyeme Hall said.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Cats won the rebound wars early, hitting a four-point run before the Lady Tigers managed to find the net. Halfway through the first, the Lady Cats continued to build on their lead behind the efforts of their defense. Bogue Chitto’s girls led 13-9 at the end of the first period.

The Lady Cats’ defense continued to run wild in the second, beating the Lady Tigers at getting rebounds. Bogue Chitto’s offense also continued to run wild, as they found themselves up 28-18 at halftime.

The Lady Tigers’ defense showed up after halftime, allowing their offense to chip away at the Lady Cats’ lead. The Bogue Chitto girls took a 40-34 lead into the final period. The Lady Cats’ offense continued to stay hot as they added more points to their lead, winning by a final score of 51-48.

“We need to shoot better at the free throw line, and continue to improve. Defense played a little scrappy,” Lady Cats coach Christi Terrell said.

Ka’miah Clay led the Lady Cats with 16 points. Anna Bromfield scored 10 points. Karliy Leake had eight points. Bailegh Jackson, Kylie Hux and Cheyenne Hall each had four points. Lineka Newsome had three points, and Kaya Wallace finished the night with 2 points.

After an even start in the boys’ game, the Tigers took the lead halfway through the first quarter, but Bogue Chitto’s boys grabbed all the rebounds and won the first quarter 14-8.

Relying on their defense and quick-paced offense, the Cats managed to build onto their lead and went to the locker room up 31-19.

Bogue Chitto opened up the second half continuing to build on their lead before the Tigers’ defense managed to start cutting into the margin. The Cats led 44-33 heading into the fourth period. Halfway through the fourth, the Cats had the momentum, leading 54-43, before the Tigers once again showed up and started cutting into the score.

In the end it wasn’t enough, and Bogue Chitto took the game 59-53.

“McLaurin beat us the first time we played them, and this was a hard-fought victory,” said Bogue Chitto coach Mark Pitts. “I’m pleased with the way we played. The boys played with determination. We’re fortunate to come out with the win on our home court.”

Junior Brandon Lewis led the Bobcats with 19 points. Sophomore Josh Thomas had 12 points. Junior Malik Richardson had 11 points. Sophomore Zach Upkins had nine points, while juniors Jermain Black and Darius Porter finished the night with four and two points, respectively.

Story by Dave Linton