By Myra Bean

The North Panola Lady Cougars got back on the winning track with a decisive 69-53 win over the Byhalia Lady Indians Friday night.

Byhalia committed 17 fouls in the game and turned the ball over 10 times. On the other hand, the Lady Cougars (10-2 overall, 3-1 district) committed seven fouls and turned the ball over 26 times.

The free throw line is still causing the Lady Cougars trouble as the team shot nine of 22 attempts. Against Lafayette County Tuesday, they were five of 29 from the free throw line in the 55-37 loss.

However, the Lady Cougars had 11 steals, led by Audrey Taylor who had five steals.

Taylor was the game leading scorer with 24 points, six assists and three rebounds.

The Lady Cougars jumped out to a 19-12 first quarter lead with eight points by Mississippi State signee Jenisha “Shaq” Jackson.

Jackson put up a double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Four of the five starters for the Lady Cougars contributed to scoring in the first quarter. Taylor came off the bench and put in two free throws.

At the half, the Lady Cougars led 35-31 as Byhalia outscored them 19-16 in the second quarter to close the gap.

North Panola dominated Byhalia in the second half outscoring them 33-25 for the big finish.

Other Lady Cougar scorers include Catonya Newsom, 15 points, 3 assists and 8 rebounds; Brittany Patton, 5 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds; Angelica Davidson, Cearea Jackson and Nadashaney Montgomery, 2 points each.

The Lady Cougars are hosting the Cougar Classic this week and will play at 7 tonight and tomorrow night. Last night they played Charleston but the results were not available at press time.