Daily Leader / Amy Rhoads / Bogue Chitto’s Zariah Matthews (2) powers to the basket for an easy layup against Sacred Heart Monday night in girls’ Class 1A state playoff action.

BOGUE CHITTO – The No. 1-ranked, in Class 1A polls, Bogue Chitto Lady Cats quickly dominated the Sacred Heart Lady Crusaders Monday to claim a convincing 78-17 victory in the opening round of the Class 1A state playoffs at the Bobcat Palace.

The Lady Cats (28-3, 4-0), coached by Christi Terrell, will continue playoff action Friday as they host the Durant Lady Tigers in the second round.

Lady Cats 78, Lady Crusaders 17

The Lady Cats kicked off the first quarter firing on all cylinders as they clobbered the Lady Crusaders to claim a 24-6 lead. In the second, the Lady Cats crushed Sacred Heart with a 23-6 run to close out the first half leading 47-12.

In the second half, Bogue Chitto didn’t let up as it held the Lady Crusaders scoreless in the third quarter and extended its lead with a 31-5 explosion to secure the blowout victory.

“We came out and started off really well,” said Terrell. “Now, we have to regroup and focus on our Friday night game against Durant. It is very important to play to our best ability now in the season because we have to win to keep advancing.”

Senior guard Zariah Matthews powered the Lady Cats with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and seven steals. Christian Black contributed a double-double night with 15 points, 13 rebounds and four steals. Ta’Neshia May netted 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Terrah Nelson contributed eight points, four rebounds, three assists and four steals. Shay Jefferson had six points and two assists. Tukiyah Godbolt added four points and two steals. Karly Leake provided four points. Bailegh Jackson had two points and three rebounds. Karlie Williams finished with two points and seven rebounds. Perstashia Henderson had two points and three rebounds. Kylie Hux scored two points and grabbed two rebounds. Lineka Newson had four points.

Kaelee Butler was the top scorer for the Lady Crusaders with eight points. Katelyn Sercovich had four points. Allie Mayers scored three points. Hannah Burks finished with two points.