BOGUE CHITTO – Senior forward Rheagan Welch’s double-double performance of 11 points and 15 rebounds helped lead four players in double figures as the Bogue Chitto Lady Cats cruised past the Salem Lady Wildcats 68-33 Thursday night in the opening round of the MHSAA South State Girls 1A Tournament in R.L. “Bob” Calhoun Gymnasium.

“I am proud of my girls,” said BC coach Christi Terrell. “We played really well offensively and defensively.”

In other tournament action, the Sebastopol Lady Bobcats rallied to defeat the Weir Lady Lion 66-52. The McAdams Lady Bulldogs were victorious over the Dexter Lady Bulldogs 68-43. In the finale, the Hinds AHS Lady Bulldogs crushed the Stringer Lady Red Devils 53-28.

Tournament action continues today. Bogue Chitto entertains Sebastopol in a battle of Lady Bobcats at 6 p.m., followed by a Dog fight between McAdams and Hinds AHS.

The South State championship game is Saturday at 7 p.m. The final two teams advance to the Jackson Coliseum to play in the state tournament, March 1.

Bogue Chitto 68, Salem 33

The Lady Cats of Bogue Chitto came out of the gate on fire in the first quarter. They overwhelmed the Salem Lady Wildcats with their veteran leadership to seize an 17-8 lead.

In the second quarter, the Lady Cats (26-6) continued to turn up the heat with their offense and defense to take a comfortable 30-14 lead into halftime.

In the second half, BC’s scoring onslaught continued as they hammered the Lady Wildcats 28-19 to advance.

Senior guard Adrienne Wallace was the offensive leader for the Lady Cats with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Zariah Matthews netted 16 points. Mattie Avants contributed 14 points.

“We blocked out and rebounded the ball exceptionally well,” stated Terrell. “I am extremely pleased to get the win. Now we must regroup and get ready for Sebastopol.”

Markeria Butler and Zoie Bridges were the top scorers for the Lady Wildcats (17-11) with 8 points apiece.

“Bogue Chitto’s veteran playoff experience was the difference of the game,” said Salem first-year coach Britta Stephens. “They came out and made the plays to execute their game plan and we struggled to get things going offensively.

“Overall, I am very pleased with my girls. They have worked hard all-season and shown steady improvement. This is a great learning experience to help motivate us to return next season.”

Sebastopol 66, Weir 52

Alexis Burks was the offensive leader for the Lady Bobcats of Sebastopol (19-7) with 28 points. Abbey Winstead netted 16 points and Josie Greene had 13.

Nikki Patterson directed the Lady Lions (12-9) with a team-high 22 points. Brianna Baker added 12 points and Lavetra Cheaton added 11 points.

McAdams 68, Dexter 43

McAdams (15-12) had three players in double digits. Chelsea Kilbert led with a game-high 23 points. Kennedy Landfair contributed 16 points. Sylvia Bentley helped with 10 points.

Alexious Miller was the top scorer for Dexter (9-23) with 13 points. Tamayra Harvey provided 12 points.

Hinds AHS 53, Stringer 28

Octavia Barnes directed the Lady Bulldogs (20-6) with a team-high 12 points. Nya Williams contributed 11 points and Adrienne Burks had 10.

Teshia Jones was the leader for the Lady Red Devils with 20 points.