WESSON — The defending Wesson Invitational Tournament champWesson Cobras got into a track meet with the Dexter BulldogsThursday night and couldn’t keep up.

The Bulldogs marched to a 73-61 win over the Cobras to capturedthe tournament title.

In the consolation game, the North Pike Jaguars crushed theFranklinton, La. Demons 59-46.

Dexter 73, Wesson 61

“We knew they were very athletic,” said Wesson boys coach RonKessler after the loss. “We got caught up in their style of play.They like to play it like a track meet.”

In the first quarter, the Cobras (9-6) led the Bulldogs 18-17.With 6:10 left in the second quarter, Dexter (10-5) went up 23-20and never relinquished the lead again the remainder of thegame.

At the half. the Bulldogs were on top 40-28 and 57-46 going intothe final frame.

The Cobras couldn’t stop standout forward Rico Haynes of Dexter.Haynes, the game’s MVP, led with a game-high 27 points, scoring 16in the first half.

“Haynes made things happen,” stated Kessler. “He’s the lone staron that team. He is well deserving for the MVP.”

Haynes got help from Nigel Fortenberry who scored 15 points forthe Bulldogs. Netting 12 points was Cody Moreau followed by KyronCotton with 10 points. The head coach for the Bulldogs is SteveFortenberry.

Leading Wesson with 14 points was Adrian King. Collin King firedin 13 points. Scoring 11 points was Blake Pickett followed by PhilFortenberry with 10.

Wesson senior guard Adrian Merchant, who finished with ninepoints, sustained a hip point injury near the end of the thirdquarter and had to sit out the remainder of the game.

“We dug ourselves too big a hole,” added Kessler. “We playeddefense poorly.”

North Pike 59, Franklinton, La. 46

In the consolation game, Clifton Young paced North Pike(4-9) with 16 points. Landon Morgan followed with 15 points andErik Robinson finished with 12 points. Keith Russ coaches theJaguars.

Pacing Franklinton with 12 points each were Tim Graves,Romoneski Dillon and Kentrel Roberts.