MEADVILLE — With a state tournament berth on the line, FranklinCounty boys coach Chris Jordan did what he does best Friday night,by drawing up a game plan and having his Bulldogs execute it forfour quarters.

The prize at the end of a 69-48 win over Tylertown was theBulldogs’ first trip back to the State Tournament since 1997. ForJordan, it’s been a long time coming.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been there (StateTournament),” said Jordan. “We played team basketball tonight. Itwas a team effort.”

Jordan watched his Bulldogs (22-7) take a 29-17 first-half lead.Franklin used three treys from Cameron and senior guard JonathanBrooks in the frame to overwhelm the Chiefs.

“Our guards really stepped up,” added Jordan. “We made theoutside shot and got it inside to our big guys.”

Franklin’s unselfish play continued in the second half as theBulldogs pulled away and took a 45-26 lead into the fourth period.Brooks led the Dawgs in the period with seven points and threeboards.

In the fourth quarter, Franklin outscored Tylertown 24-22 forthe final margin of victory.

“This is great,” said Cameron after the game about going to theState Tournament. “I’ve always wanted us to go and now we are.”

The state tournament starts this week at the MississippiColiseum in Jackson.

Cameron had a career night, netting 16 points. He added sevenassists, five steals, and five rebounds in the process. Brooks hada team-high 19 points and five rebounds. Junior forward MarcusTillman added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Jasper O’Quinnfinished with nine points, seven assists, six boards, and fivesteals.

For the Chiefs, Travis Conerly led Tylertown with 19 points,five rebounds and two steals. Revas Jackson added 10 points andfive assists.