MEADVILLE – Sheree Thompson of McComb played the spoiler, whileLogan Jones of Franklin County was the savior Friday night asFranklin County celebrated Senior Night.

The Bulldogs fought back from a 20-point, third-quarter, deficitto hand the powerful McComb Tigers their ninth loss of the season,50-46.

In the girls contest Thompson hit a career high with 43 points,15 rebounds, seven steals, four blocks, and three assists, asMcComb’s girls overpowered the Lady Bulldogs 77-61.

The Lady Tigers (27-3) looked to be in the midst of danger afterone quarter of action, as the Lady Dawgs held a comfortable 22-13lead. In the second frame the Lady Tigers looked to Thompson fornumerous steals and layups to spoil the Dawgs halftime ceremonies,leading 39-30.

Seniors Honored

During the break, 11 Franklin County seniors were honored withroses and carnations which they gave to their parents for theirlove and support. The ceremony was highlighted with a tearfulretirement jersey No. 30, which was worn by Bulldog standoutRodrick Dewayne Wells. Wells died in a tragic car accident back inAugust, robbing him of his senior season as a Bulldog.

Wells’ mother, Sheila Wells Ashley, was given Rod’s home jerseyat the end of the event.

As the girls game resumed the Lady Bulldogs of Franklin County(7-18 ) responded with multiple steals and layups by senior pointguard Carletta Brown. The Dawgs carried a 53-52 advantage into thefinal frame.

As the fourth quarter began, the Lady Tigers started a sudden,full-court press that created numerous Lady Dawg turnovers. Thathelped the Lady Tigers regain control of the game as Thompsoncontinued her scoring spree to savor the hard-fought victory.

“This was a good game for us,” said Lady Tiger coach CarolynWhitehead. “We were trying to use this game as a stepping stone tothe district tournament coming up.” Whitehead’s Lady Tigersfinished in fourth place in the dangerous Division 6-4A. They’llplay Pike County rival South Pike Tuesday night at Terry in theopening round of the district tournament.

“This is probably the best team we’ve faced this season, saidLady Bulldog coach Albert Cain. “Thompson really put it on ustonight. She had everything going right.”

Leading Cain’s Lady Dawgs was sophomore center Kim Smith with 18points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and two rebounds. Browncollected 14 points, five steals, five assists, and fourrebounds.

For the Tigers MeMe Perkins chipped in with 20 points and eightrebounds.

In the boys game a standing-room-only crowd witnessed thefearsome showdown between the highly rated McComb Tigers and thehome-standing Franklin County Bulldogs.

The Tigers (21-9) entered the contest with highly touted 6-9sophomore post Jackie Butler dunking on the first possession of thegame. Butler went on to collect four blocks and five rebounds inthe first quarter of play as the Tigers led 16-9.

In the second frame the Tigers continued their Butler paintshow, entering halftime with a 31-17 advantage.

“We began to relax at halftime,” said McComb Tiger head coachHilton Harrell. “We played totally different in the second halfthan the first.”

The Tigers began the third quarter with a quick six point runwhich adjusted the 37-17 in favor of the Tigers with 7:05 remainingin the frame. The Dawgs would answer with several steals andlayups, en route to a 41-33 deficit going into the fourth.

The fourth quarter featured a Franklin County comeback classic.The Bulldogs roared back to tie the Tigers at 44, behind a LoganJones steal that resulted in a rim-shocking highlight filmdunk.

The Dawgs (14-12) continued their explosive comeback surge asRoxie natives Grant Rogers and Kedric Covington denied the Tigerswith numerous steals and rejections. After several attempts at atrey, the Tigers’ rally ran out of time as the Dawgs savored theirspecial comeback victory celebration.

“This was the best team effort that we’ve at both ends of thecourt, this season,” said Bulldog head coach Chris Jordan. “Thiswas a good game for us to have before the division tournamentstarts Tuesday.”

Bulldog senior guard Kedric Covington shared his thoughts on thecomeback with comments on the Dawgs character and respect they haveearned.

“We’ve got the heart of a champion,” said Covington. “This wasour Senior Night and we weren’t going to lose. We’ve got tocontinue our strong play in the tournament, like we did these lasttwo games.”

Covington was referring to the Dawgs’ surprising wins over 4Apowers Brookhaven and McComb. The Division 6-3A Tournament startsTuesday at Amite County in Liberty.

Leading Jordan’s Dawgs was Jones with 19 points, six rebounds,five steals and three assists. Rogers had 13 points, 12 rebounds,six steals, two rejections, and two assists. Darrall Brown finishedwith 12 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocked shots.Covington netted four points on five assists and three steals.

For the Tigers, Butler led with 17 points, 14 rebounds, sixrejections, and two steals. Carlus Weathersby finished with ninepoints, three rebounds, and two steals.

GIRLS

McComb 77, Franklin County 61.

McComb (77) Sheree Thompson 43, MeMe Perkins 20, Isaac7, M. Brown 3, Martin 2.

Franklin County (61) Kim Smith 18, C. Brown 14, Gills12, D. Gant 9, Felton 4, S. Gant 2, Faust 2.

Total Fouls : McComb 13. Franklin County 17. Fouled Out- None. Technicals – None.

Free Throws M/A : McComb 7-12. Franklin County6-10.

3-Point Goals : Gills 3, C. Brown,Thompson.

McComb 13 26 13 25 – 77

Franklin County 22 8 23 8 – 61

BOYS

Franklin County 50, McComb 46.

Franklin County (50) Logan Jones 19, Rogers 13, Brown12, Covington 4, D. Weathersby 2.

McComb (46) Jackie Butler 17, Allen 12, C. Weathersby 9,Carr 8.

Total Fouls : Franklin County 9. McComb 8. Fouled Out -None. Technicals – None.

Free Throws M/A : Franklin County 3-6. McComb6-8.

3-Point Goals : Jones 5, C. Weathersby.

McComb 16 15 10 5 – 46

Franklin County 9 8 16 17 – 50