The Bogue Chitto Lady Bobcats would love to repeat last year’s state championship season, but they will have to do it without star Zariah Matthews.

Matthews, now at Mississippi College, averaged 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and four steals per game last season.

Replacing her won’t be easy but BC has plenty of talent left.  Terrah Nelson, who recently signed with Southwest Mississippi Community College, returns from last year’s title season, among others. Nelson averaged 6.3 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds.

The Lady Cats wrapped up last season with a 31-3 record overall and won 21 straight to close out the year, including a dominant win over Shaw in the title game.

The Lady Bobcats are 0-2 so far this season, and will face 4A Lawrence County tonight.

Head coach Christi Terrell has been with the Lady Bobcats since 2005.

The energetic coach was recognized by The Daily Leader in 2013 as the All-Lincoln County Girls Basketball Coach of the Year, and again in 2015 and 2016 as the All-Area Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

The slow start to the 2016-17 season has not dampened Bogue Chitto’s spirits, however.

“Lawrence County is good, with rebounders and shooters,” said Terrell. “We’ve got to be prepared to play defense and make shots.”

Tipoff is 6 p.m.

LADY BOBCATS

Tonight, 6 vs. Lawrence County

11/29, 6 vs. West Lincoln

12/6, 6 @ Wesson

12/9, 4 vs. West Lincoln

12/13, 6 vs. West Marion

12/16, 6 @ Franklin County

1/5, 6 vs. Franklin County

1/10, 6 vs. Wesson

1/13, 6 @ Salem

1/19, 5 @ MS School for Deaf

1/24, 6 @ West Marion

1/31, 6 vs. Salem

2/2, 6 vs. MS School for Deaf

2/10, 6 @ Prentiss