West Lincoln’s Bears are showing no ill effects of moving up to Class 2A, and Tuesday night’s 86-66 division win over Amite County was a good measure of the team’s fire power.

The Bears, ranked No. 2 in The Clarion-Ledger 2A statewide poll, improved to 17-3 overall and 4-0 in their division Tuesday, thanks in part to hot-shooting junior Duane Marshall. He lit up Jack Case Gymnasium with a season-high 38 points, including hitting 8 of 12 three-pointers. He also grabbed 7 rebounds. He’s averaging 20 points per game this season.

“Duane had a great game,” said Coach Lane Young. “When he’s shooting well, the whole team responds and plays better.” Coach Young believes he’s got a team that can get back to the State Tournament. Last year’s squad, playing in Class 1A, won the South State title before being eliminated at the Jackson Coliseum.

West Lincoln jumped out to a quick 13-5 lead Tuesday night and extended the lead to 20 at halftime, 48-38. The fast-paced game was too much for Amite County. The Trojans, who cut the lead to 9 early in the second quarter, fell to 8-10. Jay Anderson led the scoring for Amite County with 23 points.

Marshall had a productive supporting cast Tuesday night, including another dominating performance from 6-7 senior Sam Bivens who had two thunderous dunks in the first half. He sat out much of the second half after picking up three fouls in the first half, but he still managed to finish with a season-high 22 points. He had 17 in the first half.

Bivens led the team with 9 rebounds. Ronnie Edwards hit 7 points, and Sid Griffin and Chase Buckles each had 6.

Lady Bears come up short 

West Lincoln’s Lady Bears fell to 6-16 Tuesday night with a 61-38 division loss to Amite County.

West Lincoln was led by Hanna Moak’s 20 points. Destiny Allen hit 7, and Heather Moak and Carly Holden each had 3 points. Amite County improved to 14-6 and was led by Fredricka Smith’s 17 points. Ronika Pool and Destiny Williams had 11 each.

West Lincoln continues region action as they prepare to host their Lincoln County and new region rivals Enterprise for four games, starting with the junior varsity girls’ game at 4 p.m. The varsity games begin at 6 p.m. with the girls, followed by the boys.