The host West Lincoln Bears kicked off their 2005-06 basketballseason Tuesday night and split with the North Pike Jaguars. TheWest Lincoln boys won 62-48 and the Lady Bears fell to the LadyJaguars 48-38.

West Lincoln 62, North Pike 48

The West Lincoln boys (1-0) rallied in the fourth quarter andoutscored North Pike 22-5 to pull out the win. The Jags led 16-15in the first quarter and 29-28 at the half. A 14-13 run in thethird quarter gave North Pike a 43-40 lead going into the finalframe.

“Our defense in the fourth quarter was the difference in thegame,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young.

Powering the Bears with a game-high 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3assists and 3 blocked shots was guard Shane Lynch. Center BradleighRice collected 10 points and led off the backboards with 11rebounds. Jeremy Byrd had 8 rebounds, 2 steals and blocked 3 shots.Stephen Jones grabbed 4 rebounds, made 4 steals and had 2assists.

“West Lincoln outhustled us tonight,” said North Pike coachKeith Russ. “West Lincoln did a great job and I tip my hat tothem.”

North Pike (2-2) was directed by Clifton Young’s 14 points, 5rebounds and 2 steals.

North Pike 48, West Lincoln 38

In girls action, the teams were tied 9-all at the end of thefirst quarter. The Lady Jags (3-4) went on a 17-5 run to lead theLady Bears 26-14 at halftime. West Lincoln outscored North Pike12-9 in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 35-26.

“I thought we played hard and hustled,” said Young. “We missedtoo many free throws. My guards must shoot the ball better.”

The leading scorer for the West Lincoln girls (0-1) was CandyHerring with 16 points. Herring also led off the backboards with 13rebounds. Britnee Smith followed with 8 points.

“We had a few girls sick because of the virus,” stated Russ. “Wehung in there and stuck it out.”

Phenecia Taylor’s 19 points and 2 steals helped North Pike tothe win. Ulrisha Smith followed with 9 points.

Junior Varsity

Albert Matthews scored 12 points to lead the North Pike JV boysto a 45-32 win over West Lincoln.

Pacing West Lincoln with 14 points was Jamey Byrd. SawyerWallace finished with 13 points.