A long, hard season for the Enterprise Yellow Jackets is over after falling to Bogue Chitto 64-61 in the Region 7-2A tournament Tuesday, in what may have been their most spirited game of the year.

Bogue Chitto was in total control of the game during the first half, looking like they would cruise to an easy victory. Saving their best performance of the night, the Jackets started rallying in the fourth period and came up just short at the end.

“I think we played good in the first half,” Bogue Chitto’s sophomore Zach Upkins said. “I think we should’ve played even better in the second half, but we let up and let them come back. I’m just glad we won.”

The Bobcats started fast right out of the gate, building up an offensive momentum that would carry them throughout most of the game. The Jackets managed to get baskets to sink as they tried to hang in, but Bogue Chitto carried the first quarter with a huge, 29-10 lead.

The Jackets opened up the second quarter attempting to lower their deficit, but the Bobcats’ offense showed no signs of slowing down. Creating turnovers, Bogue Chitto led 38-20 at halftime.

The Bobcats’ offense picked up where they left off in the third quarter, creating more turnovers to keep the game well in-hand. Bogue Chitto seemed to have the game all but won heading into the final period.

Down in the fourth, the Jackets refused to go quietly into the night. Putting his team on his back, Enterprise senior Cade Feltus led the rally and the Yellow Jackets’ offense came to life. Enterprise was within a possession of glory, but the Bobcats created one more turnover to kill the rally and finish the game with a three-point win.

“We played well and held the lead from start to finish,” Bogue Chitto coach Mark Pitts said. “We got to learn how to close. We’re still needing a little bit more on the closing side, other than that we had a great game.”

Enterprise coach Shane Adams said he was proud of his team’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt.

“We’re down in the fourth and the boys started making shots. They played really hard to get back in the game,” he said.

Enterprise had two players hit double digits. Feltus led with 25 points, and junior Peytin Jergins followed with 17 points. Senior JeVante Jenkins netted nine points. Freshman Dylan Carter made six points. Seniors Hunter Bland and Ryan Amic finished with two points each.

Bogue Chitto had three players hit double digits. Junior Malik Richardson led the Bobcats with 17 points. Junior Damarcus Godbolt followed with 12 points. Junior Brandon Lewis netted 11 points. Junior Jermaine Black made nine points. Upkins hit eight points. Junior Darius Porter made five points. Junior Cameron Gladdens finished with two points.

The win secures the Bobcats the No. 4 seed in the tournament. They will face Loyd Star tonight at 8:30 p.m.

Story by Dave Linton