Despite Friday’s inclement weather a big crowd came out to see Varnado take on Bogalusa in the second day of the Bogalusa tournament. The Wildcats were seeking revenge after falling at home to the Jacks earlier in December; however, an impressive effort by Bogalusa senior Brian Williams, both offensively and defensively, helped carry the Lumberjacks to a 53-37 victory on their home court.

Bogalusa started the game with hot hands and built a 10-2 lead after a basket with 2:20 left in the first quarter. The rest of the quarter was flat, and the Jacks entered the second with a 12-4 advantage.

Back to back 3-pointers, the first by senior Chris Rivera and the second by Williams, were the result of Bogalusa’s first two possessions of the second quarter, stretching the lead to 18-4. The Wildcats were able to get their offense going in the mid-second and made up some ground before halftime. The Lumberjacks led at the half, 29-18.

The highlight of the game came midway through the third when Williams made a steal near half-court, dribbled to the basket, soared over a Wildcat defender and dunked the ball home. The strong finish energized the home crowd and gave momentum to the Lumberjacks, who outscored Varnado 16-7 in the third and entered the final quarter with a 20-point lead, 45-25.

The Wildcats continued to fight hard in the fourth, but the deficit proved too much to overcome, and when time expired the Jacks walked away with the 53-37 win.

Bogalusa coach Ken Martin spoke proudly about the play from his senior guard. “B. Will stepped up big tonight. He was clearly our leader on the court, and that’s something we’ve been looking for,” he said.

Williams led all scorers on the night with 24 points. He also had four blocks on the defensive side. Other scorers for the Jacks included Donnel Magee and Trevonne Mingo, each with eight; Chris Rivera with five and Tre Thomas and Rodney Crumedy with four each.

The Wildcats were led by Donte Carter with 13 points. Ladarrius Jefferson put in 10 points; Dominique Harry scored six; Delrick Abrams had four; Bryan Miller tallied two; and Preston Spikes and Nick Darden each chipped in one.