NATCHEZ — The Natchez High Lady Bulldogs did what a good team is supposed to do against an inferior opponent — impose their will early and make sure they do not try to get back in the game.

Such was the case Friday night as the two-time defending MHSAA Class 5A state champions took care of the overmatched Brookhaven High 57-33 in the Region 6-5A opener for both teams.

Led by Ernesha Chatman, Kirdis Clark and Skylar Morgan, Natchez High jumped to a big lead early, and by the time the first quarter was finally over, the Lady Bulldogs controlled a 21-4 advantage.

“Chatman did a good job of running the floor,” Natchez coach Alphaka Moore said. “Kirdis did a good job of getting to the basket. My post players stepped up, and our bench players did well.”

Natchez took a sizable 35-12 lead into halftime, but Brookhaven cut into the lead thanks to a 15-9 spurt in the third quarter. However, the Lady Bulldogs outscored them 13-6 in the fourth quarter.

“Our defense was pretty good,” Moore said. “They played real well. They ran the floor and did everything they were supposed to do.”

Chatman led all scorers with 17 points while Clark finished with 13 points and Morgan chipped in with 10 points.

Natchez High (9-5, 1-0) doesn’t play again until next Friday at 6 p.m. when it travels to Jackson to take on Region 6-5A opponent Wingfield High School.

Jefferson County 50, Wesson 31

WESSON — Antrell Gales scored 15 points and Diamond Smith recorded a score of 11 points to go along with 13 rebounds as the Jefferson County High School opened up MHSAA Region 7-3A play with a 50-31 win over Wesson High School.

Jefferson County’s defense made it tough for Wesson to get good looks at the basket while, and its offense controlled the tempo and the result was a 16-8 lead for the Lady Tigers at the end of the first quarter.

The Lady Tigers put up 14 points while holding the Lady Cobras to just five points in the second quarter for a 30-13 halftime lead.

Jefferson County outscored Wesson 12-8 in the third quarter for a commanding 42-21 advantage. The only quarter Wesson managed to score in double digits was the fourth quarter when it outscored Jefferson County 10-8.

ReKeijah Williams added 10 points while Kailyn Hammett almost had a double-double of her own with nine points and 11 assists for the Lady Tigers.

Jefferson County (11-3, 1-0) steps out of region play next Tuesday when it visits Class 5A Brookhaven at 6 p.m.

Block 47, Ferriday 40

JONESVILLE — Aviyah Anderson led Block High School with 14 points and Cintina Green added 11 points as the Lady Bears rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Ferriday Lady Trojans 47-40 Friday night.

Ferriday led Block 11-7 after the first quarter, but the Lady Bears responded by outscoring the Lady Trojans in each of the final three quarters – 15-9 in the second quarter, 11-8 in the third, and 14-12 in the fourth.

Anasia Turner led the Lady Trojans with a game-high 19 points, and Shaniqua Hillard had 12 points.

Ferriday (5-10) begins LHSAA District 2-2A play at 6 p.m.Tuesday when it travels to Lake Providence to take on General Trass. Block (7-8) travels to Olla, La. to take on LaSalle High School at 6 p.m. Tuesday in its District 3-1A opener.

ACCS 57, Simpson Academy 40

MENDENHALL — Anna McDaniel and Ashleigh Williams led Adams County Christian School with 12 points each as the Lady Rebels defeated Simpson Academy 57-40 Friday night in MAIS District 4-AAA action.

Brianna Henson scored 10 points and Bailey Boyd added nine points for ACCS, which led Simpson Academy 17-11 at the end of the first quarter and 27-14 at halftime.

ACCS (13-4, 5-1) will next play at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at University Academy of CENLA.

Trinity Episcopal 59, Amite School Center 18

LIBERTY — D’Asia Mitchell led Trinity Episcopal with a game-high 20 points and Sloane Young poured in 16 points as the Lady Saints cruised to a 59-18 victory over Amite School Center in an MAIS District 5-AA game Friday night.

By halftime, the Lady Saints had a comfortable 38-12 advantage and they kept adding to their big lead in the second half.

Trinity Episcopal (12-4, 2-0) plays at Cathedral at 2 p.m. today.

Monterey 46, Hicks 39

MONTEREY — Sydney Woodruff scored 13 points and Emilee Woodrum chipped in with nine points to lead a balanced scoring attack for Monterey as the Lady Wolves held on for a 46-39 win over Hicks.

Bailey Book and Makayla Finley added eight points apiece for the Lady Wolves, who trailed Hicks 13-11 at the end of the first quarter before outscoring the Lady Pirates by a combined 25-15 over the next two quarters.

Monterey (13-7) plays host to Calvin at 6 p.m. Monday.