WAYNESBORO – The Lawrence County Cougars and Lady Cougars made the long trek to Wayne County for basketball action Friday night. Both came home with losses, but the rebuilding Cougar boys threw a scare into 5A powerhouse Wayne County, losing 53-47. The Lady Cougars dropped a 55-36 decision to Quitman.

The Cougars and War Eagles have tangled several times in recent years, with Lawrence County having never been very competitive with the perennial 5A contender. On Friday, however, LCHS outscored Wayne County 14-4 in the third quarter to grab a 38-37 lead going into the final period.

Wayne County hit 7 of 10 free throws in the final period, and got clutch play from veteran standouts Raekwon Gray and Tevin Smith, to pull out the win. Gray led Wayne County with 14 points, and Gray added 12. Kendrick Davis’ War Eagles improved to 8-4 with the win.

Keyshawn Feazell, Gaylon Pittman, and Keith Davis scored 10 points each to pace Lawrence County. Feazell, the Cougars’ 6’7″ freshman center, added 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Davis pulled down 9 rebounds. Phillip Moore had 9 points and 3 assists for Pat Bridges’ Cougars, who fell to 3-8 with the loss.

Gina Skelton’s Quitman Lady Panthers overpowered Lawrence County, despite a determined effort from the outgunned Lady Cougars. Palexus Pittman, Jelisa Pearson and Cicely Bonner each tallied 13 points for Quitman, which improved to 10-2 with the victory.

Vicki Rutland’s Lady Cougars got 12 points from senior center DaKendra Collins. The Lawrence County girls fell to 3-10 with the loss.