McCOMB — Natchez High head coach David Haywood was happy with everything except the outcome of Friday night’s 69-63 loss to McComb.

“We had a chance to beat the No. 1 team in 4A,” he said. “The guys did everything I asked of them and we prepared really hard. For the most part, we came out and executed. We just had a few key turnovers that cost us.”

Natchez had a 32-30 lead at halftime, but the Bulldogs were outscored 20-11 in the third quarter, putting them in a hole.

“It was the last two minutes of the third quarter,” Haywood said. “We didn’t get good looks or turned the ball over on four possessions. They took the lead at that point.”

Taylor Chasely led Natchez with 20 points. Jadarrius Ivory added 15 and Ty’Ran Newman scored 11.

Haywood said he was pleased to see the performance from Chasely.

“He came off the bench and made six three’s for us,” he said. “He is big when it comes to stretching the defense. When he is squared up and focused, he is going to make open shots. He is one of the best shooters on the team.”

It is the first loss of the season for the Bulldogs, who fall to 2-1.

 

Wilkinson County 52, Amite County 39

LIBERTY — Travion Jones scored 14 points and LaHendrick Bruster added 10 as the Wilkinson County Wildcats cruised to a 52-39 win against Amite County.

“It was a very good defensive game,” Wilkinson County head coach Julius Anderson said. “It was the veteran’s first game back and I was easing them in. They played great ball in limited minutes. They are still getting back in shape, but showed leadership on the court.”

Jones, who was playing in his first game of the season because of being a part of the football team, scored all of his points in just three minutes.

“His game was awesome,” Anderson said. “To put up those numbers showed he was ready to take control and lead this team to a good season.”

With the win, Wilkinson County improved to 2-2.