In their quest for the Region 7-2A boys championship, Bogue Chitto fell short Friday, losing 66-47 to Amite County.

Amite County’s speed proved to be more than the Cats could handle, as they had to play from behind all game long. Not going down peacefully, Bogue Chitto mounted a comeback late in the fourth, but fell short.

“Amite County played well enough to win and deserved to win,” Bogue Chitto coach Mark Pitts said. “They’re coached by a good veteran coach. We just came out flat.”

The Trojans started with a four-point run before the Bobcats sunk a basket. Amite County’s offense heated up quickly as they scored often and fast. The Trojans led 16-8 by the end of the first.

The Cats slowly started to try to climb back into the game early in the second quarter. Amite County showed off their speed as they flew down the court, scoring at will. Amite County led 33-17 at halftime.

Hitting back-to-back three-pointers, Bogue Chitto once again tried to claw their way back into the game. Creating turnovers, Amite County fully separated themselves from the Cats, leading 52-33 after three full periods were in the book.

The Trojans racked up their scorebook to start off the final quarter. With just two minutes left in the game, the Cats mounted a comeback attempt, only to see Amite County snuff it out. Amite County won the Region 7-2A boys championship by a final score of 66-47.

Amite County had two players hit double digits. Terrion Rogders led the Trojans with 19 points. Kentrell Steptoe followed with 10 points. D’Kenyare Roberts netted eight points and Dareyon Woodside shot seven points. Schmar Bonds hit six points. Lantraviais Franklin and Tyrone Green finished with two points each.

Bogue Chitto also had two players hit double digits. Junior Brandon Lewis led the Cats with 16 points. Junior Malike Richardson made 13 points. Juniors Jermaine Black hit six points. Junior Cameron Gladdens made four points. Sophomore Zach Upkins and junior Damarcus Godbolt each had four points as well.

Bogue Chitto began their road to the 2018 MHSAA boys basketball championship Monday.

Story by Dave Linton