“Defense. Defense. Defense.”

That’s how Bogue Chitto coach Jason Kennedy described hisBobcats’ 58-40 trashing of the West Lincoln Bears Friday night inJack Case Gymnasium. It was the lowest point total of the seasonfor the Bears and probably their worst overall performance.

Offensively, the Bobcats took care of business as senior guardMichael Blackwell scored a game-high 17 points. He was followed byfreshman point guard Dantae Ratcliff and senior center IrrieCatchings with 11 points each. Catchings also pulled down 11rebounds as the Bobcats raised their record to 11-12 overall and5-3 in the Division 7-1A race.

West Lincoln slipped to 10-10 and 7-2. The Bears and Lady Bearsare at Dexter Tuesday night for a non-division test.

“We wanted to shut down No. 31 (Brooks Smith) and No. 14 (TylerSmith),” answered Kennedy when asked about his game plan. BrooksSmith was limited to 11 points and Tyler Smith went scoreless.

“We have worked hard on our half-court defense and it showedtonight,” Kennedy continued. “One of the big keys for us was myninth grade point guard (Dantae Smith). He is super smart and seesthe floor.”

Bogue Chitto’s defense smothered West Lincoln’s offensiveattack. The Bears only scored 5 points in the first quarter, aprobable record low point production in the 20-year-old gym, andthey trailed 26-13 at halftime.

Meanwhile, Catchings was dominating the backboards, snatching 11rebounds. Aaron Gill grabbed 7 rebounds.

“I told Irrie before the game that he would have to rebound,”said Kennedy. “He did a good job on the boards and got our breakgoing.”

Junior guard Kevin King led West Lincoln with 15 points and 5rebounds. He scored 10 third quarter points, making severalbaseline drives.

“We just didn’t compete,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young,disappointment etched on his face. “Bogue Chitto took it to us andwhipped us. They enjoyed it.”

The Bobcats enjoyed their largest lead at 21 points, 48-27, with4:36 left to play. That’s when Daniel Howard sank a jumper.

Bogue Chitto looks for more revenge Monday night, hosting MSDfor a key division contest. It was rescheduled from midDecember.

In the JV game, Bogue Chitto whipped West Lincoln 49-36,led by Lange Porter’s 17 points. Kayouwana Perkins added 12points.

Ten points each by Stephen Jones and Cody Warren ledWest Lincoln in scoring.

@Bbstandings:Bogue Chitto 58, West Lincoln40

Bogue Chitto (58) Michael Blackwell 17, Dantae Ratcliff11, Irrie Catchings 11, Lewis 2, Brewer 6, Howard 2, Gill 5, Smith4.

West Lincoln (40) Kevin King 15, Brooks Smith 11, Lynch5, Case 4, Jones 5.

Total fouls: Bogue Chitto 8. West Lincoln 11. Fouledout-B. Smith.

Free Throws M-A: Bogue Chitto 4-13. West Lincoln3-7.

3-point goals: Bogue Chitto 4 (Ratcliff 2, Brewer 3).West Lincoln 3 (B. Smith 2, Lynch).

Bogue Chitto

10

16

14

18 — 58

West Lincoln

5

8

10

17 — 40

JV BOYS

Bogue Chitto 49, West Lincoln 36

Bogue Chitto (49) Lange Porter 17, Kayouwana Perkins 12,Upkins 7, Allen 6, Lyons 5, Bullock 2.

West Lincoln (36) Stephen Jones 10, Cody Warren 10,Smith 4, Adams 6, Pickering 2, Shaw 2, Hayes 2.