By Myra Bean

The North Panola Cougar teams split with Byhalia in district play Tuesday night.

In a surprise comeback by Byhalia, the North Panola boys fell in its second straight district game 69-66. The Lady Cougars defeated the Lady Indians 54-44.

The Cougars (12-9 overall, 4-3 district) defeated Byhalia at home December 18, 66-60.

The Lady Cougars improved to 16-4 overall, 5-2 district. The Lady Cougars led throughout the game having a 19-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter. At the half, the Lady Cougars led 30-24.

Consistent scoring kept the Lady Cougars ahead of the Lady Indians as they outscored them 24-20 in the second half.

Catonya Newsom led the Lady Cougars with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Brittany Patton followed with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

Also scoring in double figures was Jenisha “Shaq” Jackson who almost posted her second straight double-double game with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals.

Jackson posted a double-double agianst Lafayette County last Friday with 11 points and 17 rebounds.

Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Cougars were Nadashaney Montgomery, six points and Cearea Jackson, two points.

The Cougar teams still have five district games to play in two and a half weeks including tonight’s home game with Lafayette County before they can close out the regular season. North Panola will host three of the five remaining games.

The Region 2-4A Tournament will be hosted by Lewisburg this year, February 8, 9, 11 and 12.

The Cougars and Commodores will tip off tonight at 6 beginning with the ladies game.