JACKSON – The undefeated West Lincoln Bears came out on fire andcrushed the Sebastopol Bobcats 68-45 in the championship gameFriday night in the Mississippi School of the Deaf and BlindGymnasium. The Bears have won the 7-1A title two years in arow.

In the boys’ consolation game, Bogue Chitto were too much forthe Natchez Cathedral Green Wave as the Bobcats cruised to a 49-34win.

The opening round of the MSHAA South State 1A Playoffs is set tobegin with the boys’ games on Tuesday. The Bears will host theSacred Heart Crusaders in Jack Case Gymnasium. Bogue Chitto willvisit the Salem Wildcats.

The Sebastopol Bobcats will entertain Mount Olive and Cathedralinvades Dexter. All games are set to tip off at 7 p.m.

West Lincoln will conduct a special ceremony for the seniors,both girls and boys, Monday night at 6 p.m.

W. Lincoln 68, Sebastopol 45

The Bears (26-0) came out eager to make a statement earlyagainst Sebastopol. They used their quickness on defense and theirability to shoot the lights out on offense to claim 21-5 lead inthe first quarter and cruised to a 44-23 lead at intermission.

In the second half, Sebastopol came out using a differentstrategy to try to slow down the Bears, but West Lincoln overcamethe defensive tactics and held on for the win.

Senior guard Jay Case pumped in a game-high double-double tolead Bears with 25 points and 12 rebounds. He also collected 6steals and 5 assists. Calvin Kees provided 13 points and grabbed 9rebounds. Junior forward De Price netted 12 points and snatched 6rebounds.

“We had a very good first half,” said West Lincoln coach LaneYoung. “We used our fast pace tempo to set the tone early in thegame. Sebastopol made a run at us in the second half, but weregained our focus and finished the game strong.”

Freshman guard Eric Burks was the leader for Sebastopol (14-8)with 19 points. Senior forward James Patrick contributed 14 pointsand grabbed 8 rebounds.

“We had a tough time getting things started,” said Sebastopolcoach Wayne Wilson. “West Lincoln is a very good team and they weresuccessful in getting us out of our game plan.”

BC 49, Cathedral 34

Senior guard Garrett Wallace knocked down a game-high 11 pointsto lead the Bobcats (19-10). Germie Martin contributed 10points.

“The guys played very well,” said BC coach Jeremy Harrell. “Ourfreshmen players contributed really well both offensively anddefensively. Now, we must get ready for Tuesday night.”

Luke Whittaker was the leader for the Green Wave (10-15) with 9points.

“We did not show up to play,” said Cathedral coach Peter Arnold.”We did not put forth an effort tonight. Bogue Chitto wanted itmore than us.”