MONTICELLO — The efforts of Gary Woods and Dearius Griffin were not quite enough for Natchez High to overcome a sluggish first half as the Bulldogs fell to the Lawrence County Cougars 62-60 in their season-opener Thursday night.

Natchez High scored just 10 points in the first quarter and trailed Lawrence County 38-28 at halftime. And even though the Bulldogs held the Cougars to just seven points in the third quarter, they only had 11 points themselves and that hurt their chance at a comeback victory.

Woods led the Bulldogs with 20 points, Griffin finished with 18 points and Davante Green had eight points. Brandon Daniels led the Cougars with a game-high 29 points while Marquis Lofton and Keith Davis added eight points apiece.

Natchez High (0-1) plays host to Murrah High School next Tuesday.

Natchez girls 52,

Lawrence County 49

MONTICELLO — Alphaka Moore’s first game as the head coach of Natchez High’s varsity girls’ basketball team was a successful one as the Lady Bulldogs held on to defeat the Lawrence County Lady Cougars 52-49 Thursday night.

Natchez High outscored Lawrence County each of the first three quarters on its way to a 36-29 advantage. Led by Brittany McDuffey, the Lady Cougars made a charge in the fourth quarter, but their rally fell a little bit short. McDuffey led all scorers with 26 points.

The Lady Bulldogs (1-0) were led by Keyana Miller with 15 points, Rashonae Rice with nine points and Kiana Jones with eight points. Their next game is at home next Tuesday against Murrah High School.

Columbia 56,

Jefferson County 53

COLUMBIA — The second quarter turned out to be the difference in the ball game as the Columbia Lady Wildcats fought back from an early deficit to defeat the Jefferson County Lady Tigers Thursday night.

Jefferson County got off to a good start and led Columbia 16-10 at the end of the first quarter. Then the Lady Wildcats responded by outscoring the Lady Tigers 22-11 in the second quarter for a 33-27 halftime lead. The Lady Tigers also hurt themselves by missing 17 free throws.

Brandy Buck scored 16 points and Taneisha Bailey added 15 points to lead Jefferson County (1-1), which plays host to Piney Woods next Tuesday.