WESSON — Sophomore Whitney Scott is quite familiar with Co-Lincoach Gwyn Young’s halftime sermons. After the motivational speech,Scott responded with a game-high 16 points, leading the Lady Wolvesto a 72-64 Thursday night triumph over the Northeast CommunityCollege Lady Tigers.

Last night’s victory in Mullen Gymnasium avenged a l-point,69-68 loss Dec. 9, at Booneville,

Scott, a 5-foot-9 guard from Hahnville, La., also had 4rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in the win.

“We kind of decided what we had to do the second half before he(Young) came in the dressing room,” said Scott. “He yelled at us alittle bit. We knew we had to pick it up and get down the court ondefense.”

Scott was averaging 6.1 points per game for the Lady Wolves(10-1) who are ranked No. 16 in the nation.

“I’m not an offensive player but I do what I can on defense,”said Scott. She intercepted a Northeast pass in the late goingwhich helped cool a comeback.

Scott said the Lady Wolves have potential to win state and theregional if they play as a team. “I think we can do some big thingsif we stay together as a team.”

Coach Young watched his team struggle to a 37-35 halftime leadover Northeast. It was a rough and tumble first half as the trio ofgame officials allowed the teams to bump and slap. Young loudlychallenged them to call more fouls at the end of first half.

“I told our team at halftime they had to match defenses withNortheast and play as hard at they were,” said Young. “We weretrotting down the court.

“Northeast executes on offense and moves well. They have a lotof team speed.

“That was one of Whitney’s better games,” he pointed out.

Coach Ricky Ford’s Lady Tigers (5-4) have battled Co-Lin inseveral epic state and regional tournament games over the years.They lack perimeter shooters this season.

Co-Lin outrebounded Northeast 39-31, led by sophomore forwardDominique Whitfield’s 9 rebounds. Sophomore post Erica Trahan added6 rebounds..

Offensively, sophomore guard Hanna Porter pumped in 14 points,sacking 4 treys. Trahan netted 11 points. Playmaker Nikki Williamsnetted 10 points, plus 6 assists and 4 steals.

Northeast got 12 points and 6 rebounds from Erica Grayson, a5-11 freshman forward from Corinth. Natalie Kent, a 5-10 freshmanfrom Covington, Tenn., had 10 points.

Co-Lin claimed a permanent lead at 52-50, with 10:45 left in thegame on a short jumper by Scott. It ignited an 8-0 run as RoneshaGarner scored on a putback, Trahan netted a free throw and a fieldgoal and Jalissa Sandifer canned a free throw.

Co-Lin begins South Division play Monday at Pearl RiverCommunity College in Poplarville. The women’s game tips off at 5p.m.