In a game that went down to the wire, Hazlehurst outlasted the Cobras Thursday and picked up an 87-83 victory.

Three-pointers were the theme for the Indians in the second period, as they hit one after another in an attempt to slow down Wesson.

Attacking fast and furiously, the Cobras quickly scored off of a three pointer. Hazlehurst didn’t let the lead last long as they quickly tied the game then pushed ahead. The teams traded lead changes repeatedly until the Indians’ offense started to take control. Wesson’s offense kept them in the game, but the snakes were down 35-24 at the end of the first.

The Cobras opened up the second period cutting into Hazlehurst’s lead. Nailing three-pointer after another, the Indians once again started to pull away. It took until the four-minute mark before the Cobras scored another basket. Hazlehurst’s offense started outpacing the Cobras, as their lead grew. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, the Indians were up 61-45.

Using a quicker offense as the second half started, Wesson once again got off to a good start. The Indians helped them by being too aggressive and getting into foul trouble, and allowing the Cobras to win rebounds. With just over two minutes remaining in the third, the Cobras trailed by just nine points, 69-60. The Indians fought to pull ahead and led 73-67 going into the fourth period.

Staying in foul trouble in the final period, Hazlehurst allowed Wesson to hang around. With just over four minutes remaining in the game, the Cobras nailed a three-pointer to bring themselves within four points, 77-73. With time running down, Wesson punched the offensive accelerator to try to take the win away, but the Indians managed to survive, winning by a final score of 87-83.

“This was a tough game against a tough team,” said Wesson coach Rusty Newman. “We got behind early, but fought hard and managed to get back in the game and have an opportunity to win. Extremely proud of my team for not quitting and playing hard until the end.”

Wesson had three players in double-digit scoring with junior Shemar Dickerson leading the way with 27 points. Junior JD Allen had 23 points. Sophomore Kenner Bizot and Darrian Gibson shot 20 and five points, respectively. Junior Slay Acy finished the night with two points.

Wesson falls to 9-4 overall with the loss.

Hazlehurst will play again Jan. 9 at Wilkinson County.

Story by Dave Linton