The West Lincoln Lady Bears are returning to the Big House. Ledby Alicia Kennedy’s 22 points and Lauren Smith’s 17, the Lady Bearswhipped Benoit Brooks 55-42 Saturday night in the South Mississippiconsolation game.

The Lady Bears (26-4) advance to the state tournament this weekas the No. 3 team out of South Mississippi. They play Monday at 1p.m. against the loser of the North championship game betweenFalkner and West Union. Last year the Lady Bears reached the statesemifinals before being eliminated.

In Saturday night’s championship game, Mize edged McAdams 69-67,led by center Rose Mary Green’s 22 points.

West Lincoln 55, Benoit Brooks 42

The Lady Tigers (16-11), coached by Jaboria Rash-Walker, led15-11 in the first quarter. Thomas scored 11 of her points in thefirst quarter, cashing in steals with layups before West Lincolnadjusted.

West Lincoln dominated the backboards, outrebounding the LadyTigers 34-17. The Lady Bears led 15-4 on the offensive boards.

“Two things I wanted my girls to accomplish tonight wereblocking out on the boards and cutting down on our turnovers,” saidWest Lincoln coach Lane Young.

“I was pleased with the way our girls ran the offense,” saidYoung. “They were patient. We picked them (Tigers) apart and got alot of easy baskets.”

West Lincoln accumulated 19 assists, led by Lauren Smith’s 8assists. Brittnee Smith made 4 assists.

On the backboards, Alicia Kennedy grabbed 11 rebounds. LaurenSmith had 8 rebounds. Brittnee Smith had 6 boards.

“We came out focused tonight after losing to McAdams,” saidLauren Smith. “We are glad to be going back to the coliseum for thesecond time in two years. We want to win it all.”

April and Alicia Kennedy had two steals apiece.

West Lincoln led 27-19 at halftime. Alicia Kennedy hit a jumperfor a 10-point lead at the start of the third quarter and the LadyTigers never recovered.

The Lady Bears used the back door offensive play to perfection.Their passing game worked well and the guards hit their openteammates underneath.

Mize 69, McAdams 67

Anna Volez and Caitlyn Bryant both scored 17 points for thewinners.

McAdams was led by Ashley Brown’s 22 points. Angenette Seawoodadded 17 points, Katrina Brown 11 and Lachelle Kilbert 10.

Mize plays Friday a 6:30 in the 1A semifinals, awaiting thewinner of the West Lincoln-Union-Falker game.

McAdams plays Monday night at 6:30, against the Northconsolation game winner, either Houlka or Desoto Central.