WESSON — In the final home game of the regular season Tuesdaynight, the Wesson Cobras posted three non-division wins over theRichland Rangers to send their seniors out on a winning note.

The Wesson boys rallied in the second half to beat Richland46-40 in a slow-tempo game.

Sophomore guard Alexis Crosby pumped in six 3-pointers to powerthe Lady Cobras a 64-51 victory over the Lady Rangers. Crosbyfinished with 20 points.

In the junior varsity girls game, Wesson crushed Richland40-19.

Eight seniors were honored last night. Lady Cobras recognizedwere Kira Turnbo, Elizabeth Delaughter, Megan Allen and ShanellAdams. Cobras honored were Collin King, Adrien Merchant, BlakePickett and Wade Williams.

Wesson 46, Richland 40

The Wesson boys (18-9, 8-4) cut the deficit to one-point, 27-26,on a trey from senior forward Adrien Merchant with 5:13 to play inthe third quarter. Richland head coach Johnny Pearson was hit witha technical at the 2:22 mark and King netted 2 free throws to givethe Cobras their first lead in the game at 28-27. The Cobras neverrelinquished the lead over the Rangers.

Going into the final frame, Wesson held a tight 32-29 lead overRichland. The Rangers cut the deficit to one point, 32-31, on atrey from senior guard Caleb Pearson with 6:10 remaining in thegame.

The Cobras responded with a field goal from Merchant and a big3-point play from Williams for a brief 5-point, 37-31 advantage atthe 3:32 mark. Reserve Phil Fortenberry went 4-for-4 from thecharity line to push the hosts lead to 41-33 with 1:27 to play.

The Rangers cut the Cobras lead to 3-points, 41-38, with 27seconds remaining in the contest. Merchant went 3-for-4 and Kingwas 2-2 from the charity line to help secure the win.

“I love playing with these guys,” said Merchant after the win.”But it ain’t over yet.”

Merchant finished the game with 14 points, including 3 treys.King fired in 10 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, made 3 steals and had3 assists. Pickett collected 5 rebounds followed by Adrian King andWade Williams with 4 rebounds apiece. Williams also made 3 stealsand had 3 assists.

“It’s good to finish the regular season on a win,” said Wessonboys coach Ron Kessler. “We’ve got some guys banged up and battlingthe flu.” Starting junior guard Mason Warren missed the game due tothe flu.

“We found a way in the second half to win,” added Kessler.”It’sa big win going into district play.”

The Cobras were 10-13 from the free-throw in the fourth quarterand 17 of 27 on the night.

Richland got 8 points apiece from Terry Boyd and ChrisDavis.

Wesson 64, Richland 51

The Lady Cobras (12-15, 5-7) overcame a 7-6 first-quarterdeficit with a 19-11 run in the second quarter for a 25-18 lead atthe half. Wesson pushed its lead to 38-27 going into the finalframe.

Natasha Brown fired in 18 points, pulled down 18 rebounds andmade 3 steals for the Lady Cobras. Perry K. Furr followed with 14points, including 3 treys, and four steals.

Crosby and Furr dedicated their combined 9 treys to their seniorteammates. “We wanted to give it all to the seniors.”

Pulling down five rebounds was Wesson senior Kira Turnbo.Christy Watson grabbed four rebounds, made four steals and had fourassists.

“We played better in the second half, ” said Wesson girls coachJemmye Ann Helms. “We weren’t selfish.”

The Lady Rangers (5-21) got 16 points from Katie Wood. DarkethaJohnson and Liseli Lewviski followed with 14 points apiece. Johnsonnailed 4 treys in the game.

Junior Varsity Girls

Pacing the Lady Cobras with 10 points was Bethany Dykes. ShanellAdams followed with seven points.

Wesson travels to Loyd Star next week for the Division 6-2Atournament. The bracket will be drawn up Sunday afternoon.