The undefeated West Lincoln Bears were too quick and had toomuch offensive firepower for Sacred Heart to handle as the Bearssteam rolled the Crusaders 87-52 Tuesday night in the opening roundof MHSAA South State 1A boys playoffs.

With the win, West Lincoln has earned the right to host the boys 1ASouth State Tournament that starts Thursday and goes throughSaturday. Teams participating in the playoffs are Salem, Durant,Dexter, McAdams, Sebastopol and East Oktibbeha.

The Bears (27-0) will resume action Thursday against the SouthLeake Wildcats. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

Other games: East Oktibbeha battles Sebastopol at 4, Durant tangleswith Salem at 5:30 and McAdams entertains Dexter at 8:30.

West Lincoln 87, Sacred Heart 52

The Case brothers, Jay and Jared, put on a show for the WestLincoln audience as they helped set the tone early and pumped in agame-high 18 points apiece to lead the Bears. Jay Case alsocollected 7 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists. Jared Case grabbed 5rebounds and had 4 steals.

Maurice Jackson contributed 12 points. Lucas Burris was the leaderon the boards with 13 rebounds.

“Our defensive pressure was the main factor in the game,” said WestLincoln coach Lane Young. “We came out and put pressure on themearly and they were overwhelmed by it. We managed to get some easybaskets from their turnovers.

“Glad to get the win,” continued Young. “Now the competition willget harder and we must prepare for it. I also hope to see a greatcrowd come in and support us during this tournament like they havedone all season long.”

Jack Fitzpatrick knocked down a team-high 17 points to lead theCrusaders (10-14). Dylan Kern netted a double-double with 16 pointsand 11 rebounds. Lex Agnew added 10 points.

“West Lincoln has a very good team,” said Sacred Heart coach JoeGarvin. “They can really shoot the ball very well. We are a youngteam and this is a big learning experience for us. Hopefully, wecan learn from this and improve for next year.” Garvin’s team wasdown 50-18 at halftime.

Salem 55, Bogue Chitto 43

In another playoff game, the Salem Wildcats sent Bogue Chitto homeas B.J. Harness sacked 18 points for Salem. Justin Lewis chipped in16 points and Neil Quinn netted 10 for the Wildcats (17-12) who arecoached by West Lincoln grad Randy Laird.