WESSON — Ann Shelby Davis wasn’t at full speed Tuesday nightbut the sophomore center had enough energy to score a game-high 16points, grab 7 rebounds, make 4 assists and 4 steals. Thatperformance powered Wesson’s Lady Cobras to a 37-32 win over theSt. Andrew’s Lady Saints in Division 6-2A basketball action.

In the varsity boys game, St. Andrew’s got 14 points fromMichael Halford and 4 Saints scored in double figures as theydumped the Cobras 63-52.

The Lady Cobras (12-8, 2-2) faced a toweringSt. Andrew’s team that featured 5 girls standing 5-foot-10 andtaller. They were led by 5-10 sophomore Carrie Sweet who finishedwith 10 points.

“We were real puny tonight,” said Wesson girls coach Hugh Webb,referring to a rash of illness on his team. “Ann Shelby wasn’t atfull speed but she still did a good job.”

A heavy front of severe thunderstorms swept across Mississippilast night, raising the heat and humidity levels in Wesson’sgymnasium. Webb said the weather affected his team.

“The heat and humidity took a lot out of my girls,” said Webb.”Danielle Tadlock played a good game for us,” scoring 6 points andgrabbing 4 rebounds.

“St. Andrew’s is so big,” said Webb. “They give us trouble.”

Webb starts 4 sophomores and 1 freshman on his seniorless team.He has 1 junior on the squad.

Leading 28-26 at the start of the fourth quarter, Wesson got adriving layup and 4 free throws from Davis and a clutch trey byMacie Case from the top of the circle to subdue SA’s upset bid.Case’s connection pushed her team ahead 35-30 with 4:01 left toplay.

The Lady Saints (4-14, 0-4), under the direction of Laurie DavisWyatt, couldn’t contain Wesson. Wyatt, a former standout atCopiah-Lincoln Community College and Mississippi College, said herteam must learn to play harder.

“We must be more aggressive,” said Wyatt. “You have to play fourquarters to be successful.”

The Cobras (12-6, 1-3) got off to a slow startand never recovered. Center Josh Hart, Wesson’s leading scorer andrebounder, was in early foul trouble. Hart fouled out with 3:34left to play and the Saints leading 51-40. He finished with 10rebounds and 4 points.

“We had no offense early and Josh Hart never got going,” saidWesson boys coach Ron Kessler. “Both teams did a good job ondefense. We can score 23 points in one quarter.”

Kessler’s Cobras battled the Saints to a 23-23 halftimedeadlock. The Saints (8-11), coached by Stephen Redd, went on a13-0 run to start the second half and led 36-23 on a driving layupby Halford.

“Josh Hood did a good job on Halford,” Kessler noted. “He hadbeen averaging about 30 points per game.”

Offensively, the Cobras were led by Matthew Cliburn’s 13 points.Lonnie Reeves chipped in 12 points. Jeromy Smith came off the benchto score 7 points and grab 6 rebounds in relief of Hart.

SA guard William Mayfield made 7 of 8 free throws in the fourthquarter and finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Mayfield, anelusive tailback, was the Division 6-2A Most Valuable Player on the2007 All-Region Football Team.

As a team, the Saints made 16 of 20 free throws in the final 8minutes of play as Wesson tried pressure defense to mount acomeback.

In the JV boys game, Wesson beat St. Andrew’s35-31, led by Gib Britt’s 12 points. Kyle Cross and Jeromy Smitheach had 7 points.

A 9-point effort by Michael Taucher led the Saints.

Wesson resumes division play Friday night at McLaurin inFlorence.