Senior forward Alicia Kennedy exploded for 27 points in leadingthe West Lincoln Lady Bears to a 72-51 Monday night trouncing ofthe Mt. Olive girls in Jack Case Gymnasium. Kennedy also had 11rebounds, 8 steals and 4 assists in the opening round of the SouthMississippi Class 1A playoffs.

West Lincoln (24-3) will host the South semifinals and finalsThursday, Friday and Saturday night. Lincoln County rivals BogueChitto and Enterprise will join the Lady Bears in the playoffs,plus Benoit Brooks, Durant, Mize, Union and Thomastown.

Four games are scheduled Thursday. Benoit Brooks plays BogueChitto at 4 p.m., followed by Durant vs. Mize at 5:30, West Lincolnvs. Union at 7 and Enterprise vs. Thomastown at 8:30.

“I was really glad to see us shoot the ball better,” said WestLincoln coach Lane Young. “Our passing tonight was the best it hasbeen all year.

“Even though we host South State, we must be ready to play hardevery night.”

Guard Lauren Smith followed Kennedy with 12 points, 5 assists, 3steals and 3 rebounds. Guard Erica Shaw added 11 points and 5rebounds.

On the backboards, Talashia Fells had 6 rebounds for WestLincoln. Brittnee Smith and April Kennedy both had 5 rebounds.

“West Lincoln has a very good team,” said Mt. Olive coach KermitMalloy. “They rebounded and shot the ball well.

“Our problem was too many turnovers,” Malloy noted. “We mustpractice on that for next year.”

Mt. Olive (10-14) was led by Debra Blanks with 16 points and 6rebounds. Kanesha Feazell had 14 points. Rondrell Feazell added 10points. Angelica Mickell grabbed 8 rebounds.

West Lincoln roared to 40-20 halftime lead.

Enterprise 70, Stringer 65

Alisha Mason poured in 32 points as the Lady Yellow Jackets beatStringer on the road. Kaylin Burke added 14 points for Enterprise(15-10).

Stringer (25-7) was led by Beth Smith’s 29 points.