CARTHAGE – O’Neal Wilder finally got his revenge on the FranklinCounty Bulldogs, but it came on the hardwood instead of thefootball field.

The 6-5 senior forward, who signed a football scholarship withMississippi State University two weeks ago as a wide receiver,eliminated the Bulldogs from the Class 3A playoffs with a game-high19 points in a 67-54 win in South State quarterfinals action.

Wilder and his Carthage Wildcats lost to the Franklin CountyBulldogs in the second round of the Class 3A football playoffs lastNovember 14-13, where he was limited to a season low one receptionin the meeting.

Carthage (23-5), used Wilder’s huge wingspan inside the paint tocollect rebounds, steals, and block shots. Wilder collected 11boards, and blocked two shots in the contest. The Wildcats marchedout to 30-22 halftime lead, before outscoring the Bulldogs 37-32 inthe second half.

Franklin County which finished the year 10-21 overall, got ateam high 14 points from junior guard Jarvis Hunt. FCHS sophomoreguard Jordan Hunt added 11 points, while sophomore forward JamieCollins pumped in 10 points.

Coached by Chris Jordan and assisted by Rickey O’Quinn, theBulldogs were eliminated by Carthage for the second straight seasonin the Class 3A basketball playoffs. The Wildcats beat the Bulldogslast year in the first round play at Co-Lin.

The Wildcats advance to play Collins in the today’s semifinalsaction at 7:30.

Forest 81, Jefferson County 72.

Coach Marcus Walton’s Jefferson County Tigers Cinderella runended Thursday night, as Forest eliminated them from the Class 3Aplayoffs 81-72 behind Rodrick Lofton’s game high 24 points.

The Tigers (25-7) watched Forest (28-4) mount a impassable 45-38halftime advantage.

Jefferson County got 23 points from Shelbeon Trevillion, and 23points from Kadon Day. Percy Turner added 11 points.

Collins 56, Wilkinson County 52

Region 7-3A champion Wilkinson County saw its magical season endThursday night as well, as Collins came from behind to eliminatethe Wildcats.

Wilkinson County (25-5) got a team high 18 points from GaryJames. 6-5 center Mitchell Thompson added 11 points.

Collins got a game high 25 points from Williams Keys.

Jackson-Bailey 79, Raleigh 77

Bailey (16-17) used Markenious Washington’s game high 27 pointsto upset Class 3A South State favorite Raleigh (29-5).

Henry Washing scored 22 points for Raleigh.