WESSON — Trent Hutchin is recognized for his outstandingoffensive skills but the freshman guard preferred to praiseCo-Lin’s defense Thursday night. Hutchin scored a game-high 21points, leading the Wolves to a 66-51 triumph over the Hinds-UticaCommunity College Bulldogs in Mullen Gymnasium.

Co-Lin (12-5, 6-0) remained undefeated in the South Divisionrace and hosts Jones County Junior College Monday night for anotherSouth test.

“It was a real good win,” said Hutchin, a 6-foot guard fromBaton Rouge (Woodlawn). “We want to play consistent defense.”

Offensively, Hutchin helped break open a close game withback-to-back treys on two occasions. The second pair came midwaythrough the second half, pushing Co-Lin ahead by 15 points, 50-35,with 10:02 left to play.

Teammate Corey London followed with a layup and Julius Blankssacked a trey from the corner, giving the Wolves a 19-point spreadat 58-39.

“It takes pressure off when you hit those outside shots,” saidHutchin. “Hinds played pretty hard but we played betterdefense.”

Hutchin said he is adjusting to basketball at a higher level.”Co-Lin is a big change for me because I have more responsibility.I have to make sure my teammates know what to do.”

Sophomore post Greg Truvillion followed Hutchin with 17 pointsand 9 rebounds, plus 5 assists. Sophomore forward Anthony Wilchergrabbed 9 rebounds and helped Co-Lin to a 32-23 advantage on thebackboards.

“We are playing better as a team right now,” said Co-Lin men’scoach Dennis Sims. “We have confidence and our players look likethey are having fun.

“When Trent has his shoulders square, he can shoot it well.”

The Wolves produced another exceptional performance at thecharity line, making a near-perfect 13 of 14 free throws. Hutchinwent 7-for-7 and Lawanski Newsome made 5 of 6.

Hinds (4-12, 1-5), coached by McComb native Ralph Moore, got 12points from 6-3 freshman Courtney Nelson of Clinton and 10 from 6-4sophomore DeVarrion Watson of Waldo, Ark.

The Bulldogs shot 35 percent from the field compared to Co-Lin’s53 percent. They trimmed Co-Lin’s lead to 8 points, 39-31, beforethe Pack heated up.