LIBERTY — Opening up Division 6-3A play against rival AmiteCounty, the Franklin County Bulldogs split a twinbill as the LadyTrojans won 64-63 and the Dawgs won 45-38 Tuesday night.

The Lady Trojans (4-4,1-0) seemed out of sync early as thevisiting Lady Dawgs of Franklin County led 17-12 after one.

The Lady Dawgs (3-5, 0-1) used the hot hand of senior pointguard Carletta Brown to hold the Lady Trojans to a 32-30 deficit athalftime.

Brown continued her excellent play in the third quarter blastingthe Lady Trojans with multiple steals and layups.

In the fourth quarter the Lady Trojans came alive as seniorpower forward Latoya Collins bruised the Lady Dawgs with numerousin-face rebounds and baskets, to savor the 64-63 victory.

“We let this one slip away,” said Lady Dawg head coach AlbertCain. “We played well in the first three quarters.”

Brown led the Franklin County attack with 34 points, 10 steals,6 assists, and five rebounds. Senior power forward Shantae Gillsfinished with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

The Lady Trojans were led by Collins with 22 points and 10rebounds.

The Dawgs (6-5, 1-0) and Trojans (4-5, 0-1) looked to bein the midst of a classic battle last night.

The Trojans’ 9-8, first-quarter lead, quickly slippedaway as the Dawgs turned up the volume on both offense and defensefor the stunning 28-15 intermission lead.

In the second half the Dawgs played keep-away with theTrojans, burning several minutes off the clock.

After quick subbing by Amite County head coach EarnestRay, the Dawgs began to dominate the Trojans’ glass, grabbingmultiple rebounds, en route to the impressive 45-38victory.

“We played good most of the game,” said Bulldog headcoach Chris Jordan. “We started making mental mistakes toward theend of the game.”

Leading the Dawg attack was senior shooting guard LoganJones with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Sophomore center AnthonyWilcher chipped in with 10 points,10 rebounds, and four steals.Senior power forward Grant Rogers finished with nine points andnine rebounds.

Leading the Trojans was Don Wilkerson with eight pointsand 4 rebounds.

The Bulldogs host class 5A powerhouse Natchez nextTuesday night. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

GIRLS

Amite County 64, Franklin County 63

Franklin Co. (63) Carletta Brown 34, Gills 13, Smith 9,Huff 4, Gant 3.

Amite Co. (64) Latoya Collins 22, Cook 11, Brown 8,Black 8, Winston 8, Jefferson 4, Corben 3.

Total fouls: Franklin 14. Amite 12. Fouledout-none.

Free Throws M-A: Franklin 2-5. Amite 8-14.

3-point goals: Gant.

Franklin County 17 15 16 15 – 63

Amite County 12 18 15 19 – 64

BOYS

Franklin County 45, Amite County 38

Franklin Co. (45) Logan Jones 14, Wilcher 10, Rogers 9,Weathersby 7, Covington 5.

Amite Co. (38) Don Wilkinson 8, Stewart 7, Wilson 6,Wishburn 5, Crockett 5, Young 34, Perry 2.

Total fouls: Franklin 8. Amite 8. Fouledout-none.

Free Throws M-A: Franklin 1-2. Amite 5-10.

3-point goals: Jones 2, Covington, Wilkinson,Wishburn.

Franklin County 8 20 4 13 – 45

Amite County 9 6 5 18 -38