Sophomore guard Duane Marshall pumped in a game-high 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead four players in double figures as the West Lincoln Bears defeated the Hinds AHS Bulldogs 63-37 to remain undefeated in Region 7-1A action Tuesday night in Jack Case Gymnasium. In girls’ action, the Lady Bulldogs used their athleticism and speed to crush the Lady Bears 40-16. West Lincoln continues region action Friday. They host the Natchez Cathedral Green Wave for three games. The junior varsity boys tip off at 5 p.m. The varsity girls start at 6, followed by the boys.

The Bears (22-2, 6-0) will participate in the Bay Springs shootout Saturday. The will face the No. 1 ranked boys team in Region 5A, the Wayne County War Eagles, at 2:30 p.m.

Hinds AHS 40, W. Lincoln 16

The Lady Bulldogs (18-6, 7-0) came out strong in the first quarter and posted a 10-2 lead.

Hinds AHS continued to overpower the Lady Bears (9-14, 3-5) in the second quarter to take a 17-5 lead into halftime.

Junior guard Karley Smith was the offensive leader for the Lady Bears with 6 points. Destiny Allen led on the boards with 7 rebounds and scored 4 points.

“Hinds AHS has a very athletic team,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young. “Their speed and ability to create turnovers made it tough for us to compete against them.”

Adrienne Burks directed the Lady Bulldogs with a game-high 10 points. Octavia Barnes contributed 7 points and was the rebounding leader with 6 boards.

“We played sluggish throughout the game,” said Hinds AHS coach Bruce Baker. “West Lincoln did a good job slowing down our fast-paced offense to knock us out of our rhythm. Hopefully this type of game will help us get better as we look to getting ready for the road to Jackson.”

W. Lincoln 63, Hinds AHS 37

The Bears and Bulldogs (9-13, 5-2) provided a tough defensive bout for their basketball fans. Both teams fought to claim the No. 1 seed in the region race.

In the first quarter, West Lincoln secured a slim 14-11 lead and held a 27-23 lead at halftime.

In the second half, West Lincoln managed to get their offense rolling. They outscored Hinds AHS 36-14 and secured the first place in the boys region race.

Senior guard Jared Case helped direct the Bears with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Senior forward Lucas Burris netted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Tamarcus London contributed 10 points.

“We played selfish in the first half,” said Young. “We did not execute our offense and defensive schemes until the second half.

“In the second half, we played a lot better and our defense created turnovers for some quick transition baskets. Overall, I am pleased to get the win and have a strong hold on first place in district.”

DeAndre Bolton paced the Bulldogs with a team-high 10 points. LaBarrion Taylor led on the board with 8 rebounds.

“We had a terrible night shooting the ball,” said Hinds AHS coach Keith Williams. “West Lincoln has a tough and explosive team. They took advantage of our offensive struggles and fought hard for the win.”

In junior varsity action, the Hinds AHS Bulldogs edged the West Lincoln Bears 51-46.

Eric Richards led the Bulldogs with 15 points. Lemontez Brown netted 12 points and Jarris Smith had 10.

Ke-Shaun London drilled in 16 points to lead the Bears. Ronnie Edwards contributed 10 points.