BOGUE CHITTO — Guard Tierrra Johnson poured in 36 points Mondaynight, directing the South Leake Lady Wildcats to a 65-41 trouncingof the Bogue Chitto girls in the opening round of the SouthMississippi Class 1A playoffs. Johnson has signed a scholarshipwith Tennessee State University.

South Leake (25-7) advances to Thursday’s second round at ScottCentral and plays Mize at 5:30. Bogue Chitto ends a majorrebuilding season with a 24-9 worksheet.

Bogue Chitto first-year head coach Jason Kennedy said he wasproud of his team’s performance this season. “They gave 100 percentevery night they played. I don’t feel like if I went anywhere else,I would have experienced the love of the game that my girls show.Our fans show a lot of love for basketball, too.”

The Lady Wildcats roared to a 30-19 halftime lead. They led49-26 starting the fourth quarter.

“Bogue Chitto plays tough defense but my girls matched theirintensity,” said South Leake coach Richard Rivers. “Johnson had agood game and carried the load for us. Bogue Chitto’s man-to-manmade her take more shots.”

Sophomore center Meleah Brown led the Lady Bobcats with 18points and 9 rebounds. Tanesha Johnson added 10 points. GuardChastity Avants had 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists.

The Bogue Chitto boys host Thomastown tonight. Tipoff is 7 p.m.in Calhoun Gymnasium.