WESSON — Wesson and Piney Woods opened Division 6-2A play inthe Wesson gym Tuesday night. The doubleheader was a splitdecision, with the Wesson Lady Cobras authoring a 53-37 victoryover the Lady Tornadoes of Piney Woods.

In the varsity boys game, the Piney Woods Tornadoes jetted pastthe host Wesson Cobras 67-30.

The Lady Cobras improved to 4-6 overall and 1-0 in the division,while the Lady Tornadoes dropped to 0-8 and 0-1. The Cobras fell to3-8 and 0-1, with Piney Woods climbing to 7-1 and 1-0.

Wesson continues division play Friday at Amite County and hostsEnterprise Saturday.

Wesson 53, Piney Woods 37

Things started out grim for Wesson, as the Lady Cobras trailed9-4 at the end of the opening period. The Lady Cobras used a 21-8second frame to take a 25-17 lead at halftime. Bethany Dykes ofWesson had 8 points in the period and finished with a game-high 16points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.

“We played with patience tonight,” said Lady Cobra head coachJemmye Anne Helms. “I am proud of my girls.”

Helms’ ballclub kept the Lady Tornadoes at bay in the secondhalf, as Piney Woods would come no closer than 11 points in thegame.

Lending support for Wesson was Sam Ellison with 11 points, 7rebounds and 5 steals. Alexis Crosby tossed in 10 points and dishedout 2 assists.

Piney Woods, coached by Lemeul Jones, got 13 points from ZeporahWilliams before fouling out. Jones’ squad shot 14-of-22 from thecharity stripe, while Wesson was 30-48. The Lady Tornadoescommitted 29 fouls, compared to 13 by the Lady Cobras.

Piney Woods 67, Wesson 30

The Cobras, coached by Ron Kessler, frustrated the visitingTornadoes by going to a stall offense to open the game. That seemedto keep Piney Woods from getting into an offensive rhythm. Wessontrailed 15-2 after one period, and 31-6 at the intermissionbreak.

“They were bigger than us, quicker than us, and theyoutrebounded us,” said Kessler.

Piney Woods, under the direction of Wayne Brent, held a 34-16advantage on the boards. Brent’s squad had numerous offensiveputbacks and fast-break points in the game; after coming off atough pre-district schedule.

“They (Wesson) are the first non-5A school that we have played,”said Brent whose lone loss this season was at the hands of his almamater, Class 5A Provine.

Brent also complimented the Cobras.

“Coach Kessler always does a good job with his team,” addedBrent.

Phil Fortenberry paced Wesson with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2blocked shots and 2 steals. Mason Warren had 2 steals.

The Tornadoes boasted an international roster with players fromFrance and Africa; as well as home-grown talent from New York andLos Angeles. Robert Jackson led with 14 points.

“With them getting players from all over the world, everyone isplaying for second in the division,” said Kessler.