By Myra Bean

Charleston swept into Sardis Friday night and laid down a district sweep of the North Panola teams.

Though the Cougar teams lost, Charleston can attest they were not easy wins.

Lady Cougars

Charleston led 10-7 in the first quarter with 3:07 on the clock. The Lady Cougars retook the lead and led

The Lady Cougars lost in this district rematch from December 12, 45-42.
14-10 going into the second quarter.

The lead changed hands numerous times throughout the game. North Panola maintained the lead throughout the second quarter for a 21-15 halftime score.

It was a sluggish third quarter as Charleston out scored the Lady Cougars 9-7 to cut the lead to 27-24 going into the final quarter. As the speed of the game picked up in the fourth quarter, Charleston retook the lead 31-30 with 6:21 left in the game. The lead changed hands three more times in the game until it was tied at 40 and at 42.

With 26 seconds left in the game, Charleston’s Mary Washington stole the ball and scored, also drawing the foul. She completed the three-point play for the final score of the game.

Washington led all scorers with 15 points. Aquisha Gimble scored 11 for Charleston.

Scoring for the Lady Cougars were Teariny Wheatley, 14 points; Candace Mottley, eight; Onesha Hunt, six; Anna Johnson, five; Angelica Davison, four; Takymdris Clay, three; and Darlyeshia Ward, two.

The Cougars (7-9 overall, 4-1 district) lost their first district game in a 43-39 decision.

Mailand Sanders shot six three-pointers to lead all scorers with 24 points for Charleston.

North Panola led 6-4 at the end of the first quarter as both teams were finding it hard to score field goals and free throws. Both teams only scored two of eight from the free throw line in the first quarter.

At the half, Charleston led 21-16.

In the third quarter, North Panola tied the game at 21 and went ahead 23-21 at the 3:02 mark as Charleston was held scoreless until 2:42 left in the quarter.

Charleston went on a 10-0 run to take a 31-23 lead into the fourth quarter. The Cougars rallied and took the lead 32-31 on a Donte Howard field goal with 5:09 left in the game.

The lead changed hands three more times and the game was tied at 33 and 35. North Panola took a 37-35 lead on another goal by Howard with 2:56 left in the game.

Charleston took the lead for good on a three-pointer by Sanders with 1:49 left in the game.

Scoring for the cougars were Howard, 16 points; Darrius Jackson, six points; Vonte Howard, five points; Ketwun House, four points; Robert Oliver and Terrance Kirwood, three points each; and Jerotney Kelson, two points.

The Jr. Varsity Lady Cougars fell to Charleston 17-11.

The game was tied at five at the half, but there was very little production from the Lady Cougars in the second half.

The Cougars will be back in action in Tunica at Rosa Fort Friday for games beginning at 5 p.m.