By Myra Bean

The North Panola Cougars survived a district battle with Byhalia Tuesday to remain undefeated in the district 6-0.

They put that record on the line tonight when they travel the short distance to Marks to face nemesis M. S. Palmer Dragons (5-7 overall, 3-3 district) in another full throttle heated battle. The game follows the ladies contest at 6 p.m.

The battle between North Panola and Byhalia went almost to the wire as the Cougars (16-6) won 52-41. The teams kept up the fast-paced tempo throughout the game as North Panola went deep into its bench and let all the players get in game time.

The Cougars led 10-2 at one time in the first quarter but Byhalia battled back and was down 17-13 going into the second quarter.

Three straight steals by Ketawan House and Gerotney Kelson gave the Cougars a 23-18 lead but still Byhalia (9-14, 3-3) hung around and the Cougar lead was five at the half, 32-27.

Byhalia outscored North Panola 12-11 in the third quarter to cut the lead to four going into the final quarter, 43-39.

The Cougars were finally able to slow the Byhalia offense in the fourth quarter, holding the Indians to two points and scoring nine to secure the win.

Kelson led the Cougars with 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two assists.

Other scorers include: House, 10 points, nine rebounds, three steals, five assists; Darrius Jackson, seven points, one each rebound, steal and assist; Devonte Howard, seven points, four rebounds, one assist; Anjayvious Farmer, six points, five rebounds, one assist; Robert Oliver, four points, one rebound; and Ja’Anthony Wright, two points, one rebound, one assist.