MONTICELLO – Lawrence County gobbled up the West Lincoln BearsMonday night in the opening round of the Thanksgiving Classic. TheLady Cougars feasted 41-33 and the Cougars devoured the Bears71-44.

In the other tournament games, Wayne County whipped the CrystalSprings twice. The girls won 46-31 and the War Eagles crushed theTigers 61-36.

Today’s schedule sends Hazlehurst against West Lincoln at 3 and4:30 p.m., followed by Wayne County versus Lawrence County at 6 and7:30 p.m.

The Lady Cougars (7-2) got 16 points and 7 rebounds from TiariaGriffin. Kahatara Taylor chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds.Alexandria Harris made 4 steals and Candice Little made 5assists.

“West Lincoln is well-coached and patient,” said LCHS girlscoach Vicki Rutland. “Their patience took us out of our game planbut we made some adjustments. We are glad to get a win.”

Rutland’s team held a narrow 19-18 halftime lead.

“We looked scared starting the game,” said West Lincoln coachLane Young. “We had too many turnovers. Lawrence County shot theball well in the second half.”

The Lady Bears (2-6) got 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 2assists from Hannah Knouse. Julie Case had 8 rebounds, 3 reboundsand 2 assists. Tati Marshall added 8 points and 3 steals.

The Cougars (6-2), coached by Preston Wilson, were powered byMatthew Wells and Leroy Fifer with 11 points each. Fourteen ofWilson’s players put points on the scoreboard.

“We were more physical than West Lincoln but we didn’t play wellmentally,” said Wilson.

Willie Toney had 4 steals for the Cougars.

“We physically got whipped,” said Coach Young. “We have to quitturning the ball over.”

The Bears (5-3) were paced by guard Jay Case’s 14 points and 4steals. Brett Rushing had 5 rebounds.

Wayne County Romps

The Wayne County girls were led by Marshantia Walker’s 13 pointsin their win over Crystal Springs. The Lady Tigers got 13 pointsfrom Dekeishja Jones and 12 from Vechatita Bonner.

Wayne County’s boys were led by Jamal Taylor with 18 points andJosh Davis with 12.

Twelve points by Christopher Lawrence led Crystal Springs.