By Heather Powell

In a nail biter, the Pike County High School Bulldogs defeated the Barbour County Jaguars 49-45.

The Bulldogs lead 3-0 before the Jags went on a 14-1 scoring run. Kamari Jackson was the leading scorer for the Bulldogs with 25 points. Jackson continues to be one of the highest scorers game in and game out. Jerrell Lawson lead the team in rebounds with 12. He also contributed 12 points.

The Bulldogs had to battle back from being down by 10 during the first period. The Bulldogs got on a hot streak putting up 17 points, while the Jags put up 6. The Bulldogs went in up by 1 at the half. The Bulldogs came out a little flat in the 2nd half, allowing the Jags 4 unanswered points. The Bulldogs found their sweet spot again though and began to battle basket for basket.

Xavier Allen was a huge contributor to the success of the Bulldogs tonight, coming off the bench with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

“Xavier came off the bench with a much needed spark of energy,” said Doug Holland, head coach of the Bulldogs.

Deshon Cowling contributed 6 points and 10 assists. Other key players for the Bulldogs included Stevie Smiley, Larry Sellers and Cory Batie. The Barbour County Jags had good performances from Demetrius Boykin, Stephon Walton, Markeith Williams, Dywan Walton, Jaqual Russaw and Jaquavius Bowick. The win took the Bulldogs to 2-0 in the region, while the Jags fell to 0-2 in the region.

“This was a good region win for us,” Holland said.

The Bulldogs will take the court again Saturday night against Charles Henderson at home.