Amite County limped away from West Lincoln Tuesday night with a 57-56 victory after needing overtime to get past the Bears.

Knowing that their team was down to its last chance, the Bears faithful cheered on as Ledarrius Jones pressed down the court. With time expiring, the crowd fell into a hush as Jones sailed the ball towards the goal. As with the buzzer sounded, the refs singled that the basket was good — Jones had led his team to overtime.

The thrill was over in a few minutes, however. The Bears pressed hard in overtime, but ultimately it was the Trojans’ defense that rose up to the task to win the game in extra minutes.

“We could’ve been better on our free throws. Even though we won, we have some things to work on,” Amite County’s Tyrese Hackett said. “We’ll get better.”

The Trojans hit a five-point run before West Lincoln was able to sink a basket in the first quarter. As the opening period went on, the Bears clawed their way up to tie the game. Amite County ended up leading 18-13 going into the second.

The second period saw ties and lead changes, with the Trojans leading 33-31 at halftime.

Amite County got the best of the third-quarter battle, with the Trojans leading 42-40 heading into the fourth.

The final quarter started off with both teams struggling to get shots in. With two minutes remaining, Amite County was up 48-45. Needing one good drive to send the game into overtime, West Lincoln’s Jones pressed down the court and hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Trojans’ defense put the game away, securing a 57-56 victory.

“We had several chances, but 11 missed free throws was the difference in the game,” West Lincoln coach Brooks Smith said. “You got to expect physical play this time of the year and you have to be able to handle pressure. That’s something we still have to work on.”

West Lincoln moves to 3-2 in Region 7-2A, and holds a 11-9 overall record.

Amite County moves to 3-2 in Region 7-2A with a 7-12 overall record.

West Lincoln had two players shot double-digits. Senior Ledarrius Jones led the Bears with 19 points, while sophomore Karlton Byrd followed with 11 points. Junior Garrison Coffey netted eight points, and sophomore Keshon Bryd hit five points. Senior Adam Martinez and sophomore Michael Brothern made four points each. Senior Donterrious Taylor made three points, and senior Chase Owen finished with two points.

Amite County also had two players shot double-digits. Hackett led the Trojans with 22 points, while Daveyon Woodside followed with 15 points. Sehmare Bonds netted six points and LanTravious Franklin shot five points. D’Kenyene Roberts made four points. Kenrel Steptoe and Tyrone Green each made two points. Terrion Rodgers finished with one point.

Amite County will be in action Friday as they host Bogue Chitto.

West Lincoln will also be in action Friday as they take on Enterprise.

Story by Dave Linton