WESSON — High-powered Piney Woods has been known to score 40points in one quarter of basketball. Friday night, the Tornadoswere limited to just 39 points as they overcame Wesson’s slow-down,upset bid 39-34.

In the varsity girls game, Piney Woods posted a 58-44 victory,led by Ayesha Johnson with 18 points and Megan Johnson with 15.

The Tornados (16-5, 6-0), unbeaten in theDivision 6-2A race, boast an international roster, featuringplayers from Africa and France. They also come from California andWashington D.C.

Wesson’s patient, passing offense caught the Tornados off guard.A loyal Wesson crowd cheered with approval as the Cobras took a22-19 halftime lead. They capitalized at the charity line, making12 of 19 free throws the first half.

Wesson boys coach Ron Kessler explained his strategy. “You can’trun with them (Tornados). They are in a league of their own.”

Outsized and outmanned, the Cobras had lost by 26 points intheir earlier game played at Piney Woods. Kessler knew he wouldhave to try something different.

“Our guys worked hard two days on the slowdown,” said Kessler.”Our kids believed in it. I’m extremely proud of their effort.”

The Cobras (14-8, 5-3) were unable to enter the double bonus inthe second half. PW coach Wayne Brent had his players use atrapping defense which caused some critical turnovers.

The Tornados took the lead at 24-22 on jumper by Darryl Arnold.They went ahead 27-22 when Allen Aragbaye took an inbounds pass andbanked in a 23-footer off the glass as the third quarter ended.

“We had a hard time getting to the free throw line in the secondhalf,” admitted Kessler. His Cobras only shot 5 free throws thesecond half and made 3 of them. For the game, they made 15 of22.

The Tornados went up 31-24 with 2:44 left to play on a drivinglayup by Aragbaye. George Fotso, a muscular 6-foot-8 center fromCameroon, blocked a shot off the glass early in the fourth quarter,asserting himself in the paint.

Wesson held the ball nearly 4 minutes before Wade Williams drovefor a layup, reducing the deficit to 31-26. Williams led the Cobraswith 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

Mason Warren also scored 9 points for Wesson. Adrian King andCollin King both had 4 rebounds.

Brent, an Ole Miss assistant for 6 years, is in his second yearat Piney Woods. He refused to comment on the game as he headed forthe school bus. Brent’s assistant coach is Raheim Lockhart, aformer Ole Miss star.

The Lady Tornados (11-6, 4-1), coached by PWathletic director Bob Holloway, held off a late comeback byWesson’s Lady Cobras (9-13, 3-5). Holloway said all of his playersare from Mississippi. He also refused further comment whenquestioned about his team.

Both teams had 17 turnovers. PW held a 35-34 advantage inrebounding.

Wesson, coached by Jemmye Ann Helms, trailed by 11 points,44-33, entering the fourth quarter. The Lady Cobras cut the deficitto 3 points, 45-42, on a trey by freshman Perry K. Furr.

PW center Zalike Williams returned to action after beingsidelined by foul trouble. She grabbed a rebound, sank a shortjumper and made a free throw, helping her team make a 13-0 run fora 58-42 lead.

The Lady Cobras were led by center Megan Allen’s 13 points and12 rebounds. Furr finished with 16 points. Natasha Brown grabbed 9rebounds.

Wesson resumes division play Tuesday night at Loyd Star.