WESSON – The Bogue Chitto Bobcats capturedtheir first victory of the season with a 52-43 win over the RaleighLions Thursday night in the Wesson Invitational basketballtournament.

    In girls’ action, the Lady Lions managed to escape the Lady Catswith a 54-51 victory.

    Bogue Chitto resumes action as they return home to battle theEnterprise Yellow Jackets for four games. Junior high action beginsat 4 p.m. The varsity girls will tipoff at 6 p.m. followed by theboys.

    The Wesson tournament will continue Saturday. The Bobcats and LadyCats will begin action against the Magee Trojans. The girls startat 4 p.m. followed by the boys at 5:30.

Raleigh 54, Bogue Chitto51

    The Lady Cats (4-2) had two players to score double figures assophomore guard Mattie Avants led with a team-high 14 points. Shealso collected 4 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists. EarlneshiaDillon provided 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Adrienne Wallacewas the leader on the boards with 6 rebounds and added 9points.

    “We missed too many crucial free throws and had too many turnoversthat hurt our chances to win,” said BC coach Christi Terrell. “Italso hurt when we got into early foul trouble in the game and wehad to limit our scrappy play. Overall, I was very pleased with mygirls’ hustle and team effort.”

    The Lady Lions (5-1), coached by Joe Moncrief, were pacedoffensively with a game-high 29 points by Kybri Keyes. ChantelHawkins contributed 12 points.

Bogue Chitto 52, Raleigh43

    The Bobcats (1-4), eager to get their first win, came out and setthe tone early as junior forward Frank Thigpen led the offensivecharge with 16 points. Zachary Perkins contributed 11 points.Jeremy Blackwell added 10 points. Dennis Rogers and Perkins werethe leaders on the boards with 7 rebounds apiece.

    “This was a much-needed win,” said BC coach Jimmie Butler. “We arestarting to build a strong team chemistry and this win really helpsmotivate the guys. Overall, I was pleased with the team effort, butwe need to make better decision in transition.”

    The Lions (3-3) had three players to net in double figures as IsiahPugh led with 18 points. Justin Bell and Ced McMullum provided 10points apiece.