BASSFIELD — Lawrence County senior post player David Clarkpumped in a game-high 34 points, 14 rebounds and 6 steals to propelthe Cougars in a season-opening 75-38 Monday night thrashing of theBassfield Yellow Jackets.

First-year Lady Cougar head coach Jennie Vance saw her ballclubfall hard to the Bassfield Lady Jackets 62-38 in her coaching debutat LCHS.

Lawrence County participates in the Mendenhall Round-RobinTournament on Thursday. The Lady Cougars open against Magee at 4p.m., followed by the Cougars and Trojans at 5:30.

Lawrence Co. 75, Bassfield 38

Clark, a 6-foot-6 All-State player, opened the season with atrey. The rest of his 13 baskets came in the paint, with numerousslam dunks and easy layups. Lawrence County (1-0) doubled Bassfield12-6, heading into the second quarter.

The Cougars continued to feed Clark, as he exploded for 12points in the period; with assists from Ray Collins and JustinMiddlebrook. Head Coach Bobby Lee’s squad captured a 37-20advantage at the intermission.

“Our guards did a good job tonight of getting to the rightpeople,” said Lee, who is in his 14th year at LCHS. “We playedwell, but we need to cut down on turnovers.”

The Jackets (0-1) got a team-high 21 points from guard JermaineReese, including 14 in the first half, but it was not enough.

Too much Cougar offense and defense, as Lawrence Countyoutscored Bassfield 38-12 in second half. A 12-0 run midway throughthe final frame iced the game for the Cougars who were dressed inred and black uniforms.

Collins lent support for Lawrence County with 13 points, 8steals and 6 assists. Middlebrook had 3 assists. Victor Longino had10 points and 6 rebounds. Craig Tyler had 6 rebounds.

Bassfield 62, Lawrence Co. 38

The Lady Jackets (1-0) jumped quickly to take a 14-6 at the endof the first period. Free throws in the second quater, (7-of-10)aided the host team to a 30-15 halftime lead.

The Cougars (0-1) got 9 first-half points from senior guardRonesha Garner. She finished with a team-high 18 points and 9rebounds.

“We had too many turnovers in the first half,” said Vance. “Wehave to be more disciplined about what we are doing.”

Lawrence County (0-1) outscored Bassfield 16-9 in the third, butstill trailed 39-31 entering the fourth stanza. Garner andKenyactha Myers combined for 10 points in the period.

The Lady Jackets, coached by Sylvia Hall, closed out the gamewith a 23-6 surge to pick up their initial win of the season.

“We played better in the second half,” added Vance, a graduateof Ole Miss and Henderson State.

Myers tossed in 10 points to support Lawrence County. BrittanySherman dished out 4 assists. Jasmine Courtney had 6 rebounds.

Laterrica Booth led Bassfield with 21 points.