West Lincoln coach Andy Smithie preached the importance ofrebounding during recent practice sessions and he began seeing somepositive results Tuesday night versus Salem in Jack Case Gymnasium.Smithie’s girls cruised to a 64-48 triumph and the Bears posted alopsided 75-41 victory over the Wildcats on a cold, rainynight.

West Lincoln plays its final home game of the season Thursdaynight, hosting MSD. The Division 7-1A Tournament begins Monday atBogue Chitto’s R.L. “Bob” Calhoun Gymnasium.

The Lady Bears (17-6) were powered offensively by juniorguard Dana King’s 21 points. She also had 8 assists and 5 steals asWest Lincoln romped to a 40-20 halftime lead. King had 16 points athalftime and finished with 5 treys.

Lyndsay Franklin followed King with 11 points. On thebackboards, Hannah Johnson and Hannah Roberts each had 6rebounds.

Salem got a game-high 26 points from RuthieBridges.

The Bears (12-11) were directed by senior forward CodyMitchell’s 24 points. Mitchell scored 22 points in the first 3quarters before retiring early in the fourth quarter. He also had 7rebounds.

“Our boys did a very good job of rebounding tonight,”said Smithie. “We worked hard on rebounding inpractice.”

Chairman of the boards for West Lincoln was juniorforward Luke Lofton with 15 rebounds plus 19 points. Center SamCollins collected 14 points and 10 rebounds. Stacy Fells grabbed 8rebounds in relief.

Guard Tyler Smith furnished his West Lincoln teammateswith 9 assists. He also sacked 2 treys.

Salem (4-16), wearing black uniforms trimmed in green,is under the direction of Kenneth Murphy who also works as headfootball coach. The Wildcats got 22 points from freshman JamesRatcliff.

The Wildcats and Walthall County neighbor Dexter aremembers of Division 8-1A this season. Their division tournamentwill be hosted by Mt. Olive next week.

Mitchell had 14 points and Collins 12 at halftime as theBears romped to a 41-15 advantage. A backboard-shaking dunk byLofton gave the hosts a 55-21 lead with 3:34 left in the thirdframe.

Mitchell scored his final points on a layup with 7:07left to play, giving West Lincoln a 70-28 bulge.

In the JV boys game, West Lincoln posted a 30-24victory, led by Daniel Allen’s 19 points. Landon Case added 6points.

Salem got 9 points from Dewayne Bridges and 5 from TroyHammond.

@Bbstandings:GIRLS

West Lincoln 64, Salem 48

Salem (48) Ruthie Bridges 26, Craft 8, Martin 6, Davis8.

West Lincoln (64) Dana King 21, Avants 8, Price 4, Bass9, Johnson 2, Roberts 3, L. Smith 6, Franklin 11.

Total fouls: Salem 9. West Lincoln 19. Fouledout-none.

Free Throws M-A: Salem 18-21. West Lincoln3-7.

3-point goals: King 5, Avants 2, Roberts,Franklin.

Salem

12

8

9

19 – 48

West Lincoln

15

25

7

17 – 64

BOYS

West Lincoln 75, Salem 41

Salem (41) James Ratcliff 22, D. Brides 5, Magee 2, R.Bridges 5, Jefferson 3, Slocum 2, Hammond 2.

West Lincoln (75) Cody Mitchell 24, Lofton 19, Adair 7,T. Smith 6, Collins 14, Fells 3.

Total fouls: Salem 9. West Lincoln 12. Fouledout-none.

Free Throws M-A: Salem 5-16. West Lincoln7-8.

3-point goals: MItchell 4, T. Smith 2, Adair, Jefferson,Ratcliff.

Salem

8

7

13

13 – 41

West Lincoln

16

25

25

9 – 75