Bears knock off Cobras

Published 6:00 am Friday, February 10, 2006

WESSON — For the first time in several years, the West LincolnBears locked horns with the Wesson Cobras Thursday night in thefinal game of the regular season for both teams.

The West Lincoln boys held off Wesson for a 47-44 win and theLady Bears pulled away in the second half to cruise to a 54-39victory over the Lady Cobras.

West Lincoln 47, Wesson 44

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The West Lincoln boys (19-4, 10-2) jumped on Wesson (12-16, 3-9)in the first quarter for a 15-5 lead. The Cobras went on a 21-16run in second-quarter play to cut the deficit to 5 points, 31-26,at the half.

“We dug ourselves early on and came up short at the end,” saidWesson boys coach Ron Kessler. “West Lincoln rebounded the ballwell. We did not box out. But I am proud of my kids effort. We mustget ready to play in the district tournament (at St.Andrew’s).”

The Bears went on an 11-6 run in the third quarter to take a42-32 lead going in to the final frame. The Cobras were able to cutthe deficit to 3 points at the end but could get no closer.

“It was a sloppy game on both sides look like two teams endingthe season instead of getting ready for the playoffs,” stated WestLincoln coach Lane Young.

Brandt Hood and Phil Fortenberry directed Wesson with 11 pointsapiece. Adrian King finished with 9 points and led off thebackboards with 7 rebounds. Fortenberry and Mason Warren grabbed 3rebounds apiece. Warren also led with 2 steals.

West Lincoln got 15 points and 5 rebounds from Shane Lynch.Bradleigh Rice netted 12 points and was the high rebounder with 15.Jeremy Byrd grabbed 7 rebounds followed by Stephen Jones with 10points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists. Aaron Shaw collected 2rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists.

West Lincoln 54, Wesson 39

“Wesson’s (Alexis) Crosby killed us in the first quarter,” saidYoung. “But our defense stepped up the rest of the 3 quarters. WestLincoln (Talashia) Fells and (Candy) Herring dominated the boardstonight.”

Fells led with 15 points, 13 rebounds and a pair of blockedshots for the Lady Bears (16-7, 9-3). Erica Shaw and Herringfollowed with 11 points apiece. Herring grabbed 11 rebounds and had2 assists. Britnee Smith finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds 2steals and 2 assists. Shaw also had 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 8 assistsand blocked 2 shots.

“We played hard,” said Wesson girls coach Jemmye Ann Helms. “Wewere outsized in the post. We must have consistent scoring.Overall, I was pleased that we able to stay with West Lincoln.”

Powering the Lady Cobras (10-19, 5-7) with a game-high 21points, including 3 treys, was Crosby. Perry K. Furr fired in 10points. Latia Payre and Sam Ellison pulled down 4 rebounds apiece.Christy Watson collected 3 rebounds and made 2 steals.

Junior Varsity Results

The Wesson boys beat West Lincoln 50-46 in overtime. PoweringWesson with 14 points was Joe Decker. Josh Hood and Cody Kingfinished with 11 points apiece.

Aaron Collins’ 14 points paced West Lincoln. Jeremy Byrd netted12 points.

The Lady Cobras clipped the Lady Bears 29-23.Chelsea Lucas paced Wesson with 9 points.

Kayla Moak scored 5 points for West Lincoln.