MONTICELLO – Lawrence County swept a basketball doubleheaderfrom Florence in Division 6-4A action Friday night. In boys’ play,Coach Preston Wilson’s Cougars edged Florence, 53-48, in a close,competitive game.

The big story was the girls’ game, however, as Coach VickiRutland’s Lady Cougars earned their first division win of theseason, 51-44.

The win raised the Lady Cougars’ record to 2-23 on the seasonand 1-9 in Division 6-4A play. Lawrence County’s only other winthis season came against 1A Salem.

“I’m just proud our girls finally got to experience somesuccess,” said Rutland, in her second season at Lawrence County.”They’ve continued to work very hard and stay positive, and I thinkthat’s quite admirable, considering the way things have gone.

“Obviously, we’d like to have more than two wins, but I couldn’task for anything more, in terms of effort and work. It’s great tosee them enjoy a win in a close, competitive division game.”

Only 5 Lady Cougars scored in the game, but 3 of those 5 netteddouble figures. Samantha Showers had a huge night, with 17 pointsand 14 rebounds. Twelve of her points came in the second half.Kasey May also enjoyed a double-double, with 10 points and 11rebounds. Cande’l May had 12 points, all coming on 3-pointers.Brittney Collins added 7 points and 6 assists, and Candice Littlehanded out 5 assists.

The game was close throughout, but LCHS opened up a 9-pointlead, 48-39, with less than 3 minutes left in the game. Just whenit appeared that the Lady Cougars were finally over the hump,Florence tallied 5 points in a matter of seconds, getting back towithin 4 points, with 2 minutes left to play. The Lady Eagles neverscored again and Lawrence County had its elusive victory.

Hope Moore led Florence with 13 points. Jasmine Trigg, whoburned the Lady Cougars for 25 points in a Florence win 10 daysearlier, netted 12. Florence fell to 5-18 on the season.

Lawrence Co. 53, Florence 48

The boys’ game was also a close one. Florence led 34-33 afterthree quarters, but, for the second time in 10 days, LCHS pulledout a win over the Eagles in the fourth quarter.

Dominique West and Albert Brown led the Cougars with 16 pointseach. Brown added 5 rebounds, and Wells had 7. Oliver Peyton had 9points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Antonio Cousin led Florence with 16 points, and Tana Jones added15. Florence fell to 13-10 on the season.

Wilson’s Cougars improved to 16-9 overall, and 6-4 in thedivision.

Lawrence County will host McComb in Division 6-4A action Tuesdaynight.