By Myra Bean

The North Panola Lady Cougar team let out a loud whoosh of breath as they hung on to the win over Holly Springs, 35-32, Friday night in Holly Springs.

The Lady Cougars (12-8 overall, 5-3 district) lost the first match between the two teams, 60-51, December 16.

Cougar Boys

The North Panola Cougars fell to Holly Springs 57-41. It was quite a different game than the December 16 matchup when the Cougars fell by one point, 55-54.

Holly Springs led 23-12 at halftime and outscored North Panola 34-28 in the second half to cruise to victory.

The Cougars (7-13 overall, 2-6 district) were led in scoring by Aldrick Russell with 13 points, as the only player to score in double figures. Other Cougar scorers include Rodriques Thomas, 8 points; Darius Loveberry, 7 points; Kiwanis Bobo and Cortez Hibbler, 6 points each; and Cameron Shorty, 1 point.

The Cougar teams are on the road tonight to take on district foe Lewisburg Patriots in Olive Branch. Tipoff is 6 p.m. with the girls game.