By Myra Bean

The North Panola Cougar basketball team ran all over the Byhalia Indians, 85-82, Friday without the services of two starters.

Cougar head coach Dannis Jackson said he used the fast-tempo to cover the absences of Ricky Hunt, who was at the All-Star game and Darius Jackson, who was out with the flu.

“Our two big men stepped up,” the first year coach said.

The Cougars (5-5 overall, 2-2 district) were well taken care of with Cameron Shorty who scored 31 points and Brandon Bagwell who sank 30 points in the district contest. Both put up a double-double Friday getting at least 15 rebounds each.

“They did a real good job with a short bench,” Jackson said. “We played real hard tonight.”

North Panola led 25-16 at the end of the first quarter. Byhalia had cut the lead 40-37 at the half. It was a dead even matchup in the second half as both teams scored 45 points, but the halftime lead held the Cougars in good stead for the win.

Also scoring for the Cougars were Ketwan House and Terrance Turman, four points each and Jerotney Kelsey, two points.

Lady Cougars

The Lady Cougars (2-8, 1-3) are still struggling as they fell to Byhalia 71-28.

The Cougar teams will host Independence in non-district action tonight starting at 5 p.m. with the junior varsity boys game.