Senior guard Jared Case pumped in a game-high 18 points to lead four players in double figures as the West Lincoln Bears knocked off the Franklin County Bulldogs 62-49 Monday night in Jack Case Gymnasium.

     In girls’ action, the Lady Bulldogs used their aggressive defense to defeat the Lady Bears 39-20.

     West Lincoln continues action Friday. They host the Brookhaven Panthers for two games. The varsity girls tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

     Franklin County will take a couple of weeks off to enjoy the holidays before resuming action Jan. 8 to host the Crystal Spring Tigers.

Franklin Co. 39, W. Lincoln 20

     The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Bears battle back and forth in a tough defensive contest in the first half. Franklin County held a slim 10-9 lead after one quarter of action and blanked the Lady Bears 7-0 in the second quarter for a 17-9 halftime advantage.

     In the second half, the Lady Bulldogs (5-4) outscored West Lincoln 22-11.

     Senior guard Latorya Griffin was the offensive leader for Franklin County with 16 points and 6 rebounds.

     “The girls shot the ball really well in the paint,” said FC coach Chris Jordan. “Overall, I was pleased with their effort on offense and defense.”

     Senior forward Tamasha Buckley directed the Lady Bears (7-8, 1-0) with a team high 6 points. Destiny Allen, Katie Hester and Buckley led on the board with 4 rebounds apiece.

     “Franklin County did a very good running their half court offense,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young. “We struggled to get things going offensively and did not shot the ball well.”

W. Lincoln 62, Franklin Co. 49

     The Bears and Bulldogs provided a tough, physical battle in the first quarter as West Lincoln held a slim 16-14 lead.

     In the second quarter, the Bears’ high-octane offense struggled to get going but managed to take a 35-25 lead at halftime.

     In the second half, the Bulldogs (1-8) continued to play aggressively on defense and kept West Lincoln’s offense in check. The Bears (13-2) outscored Franklin County 27-24 to secure the win.

     Junior center Sam Bivens netted 13 points to help lead the Bears. Lucas Burris sank 12 points. Bivens and Burris were the leaders on the boards with 8 rebounds apiece. Duane Marshall contributed 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals.

     “This was a sloppy game,” said Young. “The guys fought hard and we had some good offensive spurts in the second quarter to increase our lead. Overall, we just went through the motions after a tough battle last Friday against Piney Woods.”

     Fred Nelson directed the Bulldogs with a team-high 14 points and 7 rebounds. Bennie Covington provided 11 points.

     “The guys played hard,” said Jordan. “We are still trying to find our chemistry as a team. Overall, West Lincoln is a very good team. Our guys did a great job slowing them down to keep the game close.”

     In junior varsity boys’ action, the Bears edged the Bulldogs 34-32.

     Sid Griffin paced West Lincoln with 13 points. Lofton Sills contributed 8 points.

     James Davis was the top scorer for Franklin County with 8 points. Tony Gibbs and Michael White provided 6 points apiece.