Sports Writer

BRUNDIDGE – Sophomore Michael Walker scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds as the Pike County County High School Bulldogs routed the Luverne High School Tigers 76-39 in a Class 3A Area 2 basketball game at Bulldog Gym in Brundidge Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs, who played their home game since Dec. 15, snapped a four game losing streak which included a crushing 91-42 area loss to number four ranked

first place Calhoun (15-4, 3-0) near Fort Deposit Saturday night.

Facing its most important homestand of the season, Pike County (5-11, 2-2) wasted very little time taking control of the contest against the outmanned Tigers (5-10, 0-4). With the score tied at 4-4 two minutes into the game, the Bulldogs finished the quarter strong by pounding the glass and getting the ball inside as they went on a 12-0 run to take a 16-4 lead going into the second period.

Play got ragged at times in the second quarter as both teams turned the ball over on numerous occasions. However, the Tigers were unable to take advantage of early foul trouble by the Bulldogs as Pike County maintained a 28-16 lead at intermission.

After the Tigers cut the deficit to eight points at 28-20 one minute into the second half finishing a 6-0 run, the Bulldogs used their defense forcing several turnovers and converting them into easy layups as they beat Luverne in transition on numerous occasions. Pike County finished the third quarter outscoring the Tigers 26-16 in a fast paced third quarter to take a commanding 54-32 lead heading into the final stanza.

In the Bulldogs completed a rare runaway victory with total domination of the Tigers as head coach David Buehler substituted liberally throughout the final 12 minutes giving the starters a much needed rest.

Other individual statistical leaders included Nick Walker and Tyrone Boyd each scoring 12 points while Eric Gosha came off the bench to score 11 points. Reserves Armond Johnson and Chris Nickson along with starter Shermondre Jackson each scored eight points for the Bulldogs. Unofficially, Gosha led the Bulldogs with six rebounds while Jackson finished with four boards.

Gevonne Cooper led the Tigers with 17 points while James McCreary and Brad Crittenden had six points apiece in a losing cause.

Pike County (girls) 50 Luverne 20

Marla Boykin scored 12 point to lead a balanced attack as the Pike County High girls snapped a seven game losing streak with a 50-20 pounding over the Lady Tigers.

The Lady Bulldogs (4-11, 2-2) dominated from the outset as they scored the first 21 points of the contest en route to the easy victory. The win kept Pike County slim regular season area title hopes alive with two important area games remaining on the current homestand.

Others who contributed significantly included Latoya Meadows scoring 10 points while Stephanie Caffie finished with nine points for Pike County. Jessica Barber led the Lady Tigers (2-12, 0-4) with six points.

The Bulldogs return to action this Friday night when they host Calhoun in another important area game. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.