Thus far in their run to the semifinals of the MHSAA 2A boy’s state tournament, the Bogue Chitto Bobcats (22-5) have won a game on their home court, a game on the road and a game at a neutral site.

The hopes of the Bogue Chitto faithful is for their team to win one today at the Big House and secure a spot in the 2A title game later this week.

Today at 1:30 p.m., the Bobcats will face the Northside High Gators (18-12). Coahoma County (28-2) and Newton (19-10) meet in the other semifinal that’ll precede the BC game.

Northside is located in Shelby, which is a small town in the Mississippi Delta county of Bolivar.

The Gators finished behind Coahoma County in their region during the regular season. They began postseason play with a 67-33 win over Belmont and then beat Potts Camp 72-57 in the second round of the 2A tournament.

Northside eliminated defending 2A state champ Pine Grove in the quarterfinals by a 46-37 final score.

Bogue Chitto started the playoffs with a 60-52 win over Lake at home. They then went on the road and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, beating Velma Jackson 85-73 in overtime. 

Last Friday, the Bobcats played the late, late game in the quarterfinals at Clinton High and defeated Kemper County High 45-34.

A school with tons of 1A tradition, this is the best season for a Bogue Chitto boys’ basketball team since the program moved up to the 2A ranks.

East Marion, who upset BC in the Region 7-2A tournament finals by three points, lost 68-62 to Newton High in the quarterfinals last week.

Bogue Chitto coach Marc Howard and his team were the only school from the area to win their quarterfinal game on Friday.

The West Lincoln girls’ team got down big early to Lake High, the defending 2A state champs, and never recovered in a 53-24 loss. The Bears and coach Alissa Adams finished the season with a 23-2 overall record.

Seniors for West Lincoln include Kara Beth Addison, Ta’Kyla “Moosy” Brothern, Ramsey Hall, Mary Claire Johnson, Madilyn Case and Mailey Kate Young.

Lake (22-9) and Belmont (26-5) meet in one 2A semifinal on Tuesday while East Webster (23-10) and Heidelberg (25-6) will play in the other.

In Poplarville on Friday, the Brookhaven High girls’ team also suffered a season ending loss, 51-45 to Laurel High.

BHS had beaten Laurel at home on Jan. 17 by a 48-36 final score. Brookhaven, coached by Preston Wilson, ends the season with a 26-5 overall record.

Seniors on the team include Raven Smith, Alexis Kelly, Nichole Gamble, Angel “Cookie” Wilkinson, Makyia Stallings and Leah Wilcher.

Laurel (19-8) and Callaway (26-6) meet in one 5A semifinal on Tuesday while West Jones (27-2) and Lafayette (23-6) will meet in the other semifinal game.