A first-place tie in the boys division of Region 2-3A was on the line as North Panola visited league leading Holly Springs Friday.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, the No. 3 ranked Hawks escaped with a 54-51 victory to remain unbeaten in district play.

North Panola (13-9, 5-2) took a slim 15-14 lead after one quarter of play before Holly Springs surged ahead 32-24 at halftime.

The Cougars knotted the game at 41-41 heading into the fourth period before the Hawks pulled out the narrow victory.

The Lady Cougars meanwhile fell to 7-13 overall and 3-4 in district play with a 54-20 loss to the No.5 ranked Hawks.

North Panola will take on Senatobia Friday at Howard Coliseum on the campus of Northwest Community College beginning at 6 p.m.