Due to a slick gymnasium floor in Bogue Chitto’s R.L. “Bob”Calhoun Gymnasium, the South Mississippi Class 1A Girls Tournamentfinals were moved to Enterprise Saturday night. The Lake LadyHornets liked the change of location and defeated Bogue Chitto’sgirls 58-50 in the championship finals, powered by forward KimCox’s 27 points.

Durant defeated McAdams 61-47 in the consolation game, playingthe last two quarters at Enterprise due to the sweating floor. Thechampionship game began about 75 minutes behind schedule. MonchelHoward led Durant with 25 points and Lagretta Branch with 16.McAdams got 13 points from Felecia Brown and Anita Eubanks.

Bogue Chitto (23-9), the South runner-up, plays Friday, March 2,at 1 p.m., versus the North No. 3 team, either Smithville orMontgomery County. Lake (32-3) plays its first game on WednesdayMarch 7, at 6:30 p.m., in the semifinals.

Durant plays Wednesday night at 6:30, against the runner-up teamout of the North State tourney.

The Lady Bobcats got 27 points from guard Jessica Meltonand 12 from Randi Moak. They got 9 rebounds from Yolanda Drummond.Melton had 8 rebounds and Jerrica McGary 5. Melton collected 5steals and 2 assists.

“We are ready,” answered Melton, when asked about theLady Bobcats returning to the state tournament. “We are mentallyfocused and physically prepared.”

Melton said the Lady Bobcats had to overcome a slowstart. “Things weren’t going well at first but we played well atthe end.”

Lake roared to a 28-17 halftime lead, capitalizing onBC’s cold shooting. The Lady Hornets led 49-28 starting the fourthquarter. Both teams relied on full-court pressuredefense.

Bogue Chitto coach Mickey Myers complimented Lake. “Welost to a very talented 1A basketball team. We shot the ball poorlyfor three quarters.”

Bogue Chitto outscored Lake 22-9 in the fourthquarter.

“I wish we would have gone man-to-man sooner,” addedMyers. “We didn’t quit and our players showed a lot ofheart.”

Lake head coach Phil Ingersoll said the Lady Bobcatsplayed well. “Bogue Chitto is a great basketball team. We nevercould quite put them away.

“We would like to see our program become as strong asBogue Chitto’s.”