By Myra Bean

The North Panola Cougars did not let this close game slip between its fingers.

The Cougars (2-7 overall, 1-0 district) defeated Charleston in the first district game of the season 46-42 Monday night.

“It’s strange how we have so many close games and lose,” said Cougar head coach Dannis Jackson.

Monday’s game was an exception as the Cougars were down 20-17 at halftime, but outscored Charelston 29-22 in the second half to claim the victory.

 Ketwun House led the Cougars’ scoring with 13 points, followed by Donte Howard and Jerotney Kelson with eight points each and Devonte Howard with seven points.

“It was a good win,” Jackson said. “I have told them to focus on winning our district games.”
Lady Cougars

North Panola Lady Cougars have hit skid row losing three straight, and the road will not get any easier with The Lady Byhalia Indians (7-3) coming to town Friday night.

“It was ugly,” said Lady Cougar head coach Chris Yancy. “We just didn’t come ready to play.”

The Lady Cougars (4-7 overall, 0-1 district) lost its first district game to Charleston Monday night, 52-35.

Charleston jumped to an 18-6 first quarter lead. The Lady Cougars’ defense clamped down in the second and third quarters, outscoring Charleston 20-16. North Panola was down 34-26 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, Charleston poured it on and outscored the Lady Cougars 18-9 to claim a big district win at home.

Yancy feels the game tonight with Byhalia will be evenly matched between teams.

“They are a pretty decent ball club with mostly sophomores and juniors. We just have to be ready to play,” Yancy said.

Tipoff is 6 p.m. with the Lady Cougars at 6 p.m. followed by the boys’ game.