PHILADELPHIA — The host Choctaw Central Lady Warriors whippedthe Franklin County Lady Bulldogs 66-53 Thursday night in thequarterfinals of the Girls Class 3A South State Playoffs.

In other games at Choctaw Central, North Pike eliminatedColumbia 50-34 and Hazlehurst dumped West Lauderdale 47-42.

The semifinals and finals will be played tonight and Saturday.Today’s games featured Southeast Lauderdale vs. North Pike at 6p.m. and Choctaw Central vs. Hazlehurst at 7:30. Saturday, theconsolation game begins at 6 followed by the championship game at7:30.

Choctaw Central 66, Franklin County 53

“It was a very big win,” said Choctaw Central girls coach WalterWilson following the game. “Franklin County had a well coachedteam. The overall advantage was our experience and it paidoff.”

Charles Moore coaches the Franklin County girls.

Choctaw Central (32-2) jumped on Franklin County (16-6) for an18-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the LadyChoctaws pushed their lead to 36-20. Going into the final frame,Choctaw Central commanded a 53-35 lead.

Powering Franklin County with 19 points, nine rebounds, twosteals and two assists was Victoria Hunt.

Mistee Dale directed Choctaw Central with 20 points, sixrebounds, two steals and five assists. Netting 19 points wasChantay Frazier.

North Pike 50, Columbia 34

Phenicia Taylor directed the 27-4 North Pike Lady Jaguars with14 points. Britta Stephens pumped in 12 points.

Hazlehurst 47, West Lauderdale 42

Jalissa Sandifer’s 16 points sparked the Hazlehurst LadyIndians. Following with 12 points was Nicole Perry.