By Myra Bean
Varsity basketball season came to a screeching halt in Panola County as all six teams lost Tuesday night.

North Panola teams played in the first round of the district tournament in Center Hill.

The No. 5 seeded Lady Cougars faced the No. 4 seeded Rosa Fort Lady Lions and lost by five, 40-35. Rosa Fort led 20-13 at halftime.

After the third quarter, the game was tied at 23. North Panola scored 10 points and held Rosa Fort to three.

Rosa Fort rebounded outscoring North Panola 17-12 in the final quarter.

The Lady Cougars ended the season (6-19 overall, 3-8 district).

The No. 4 seeded Cougar boys (12-11 overall, 5-6 district) fell to the No. 5 seeded Byhalia Indians by four. The Cougars led 18-16 at the end of the first quarter.

“We lost all commitment to defense and gave up a lot of easy points,” said first year head coach Dannis Jackson.

Four straight free throws by Cougar Ricky Hunt tied the game with 12 seconds left. A Cougar foul sent Byhalia to the line who hit two free throws for the two point lead with six seconds left.

Byhalia stole the inbound pass and scored for the four-point win.