The Tigers of McKenzie High School made a lasting impression on the Wildcats of Florala Friday night, and in the end, the Wildcats scurried back to their dens defeated, 65-62.

McKenzie led early in the game on their home court, and during the halftime break, held the lead at 24-19.

Then, with some nail-biting exchanges back and forth, the Tigers came out in the end to win the match, moving their area record to 1-1, with a 2-1 overall tally.

Tigers Head Coach Charles Jolly has found the winning combination with the talent the Tigers possess, as the standing room only crowd witnessed in the Tiger gymnasium.

Leading point-getter for MHS was Russell Davison with 22 points, including a high-in-the-air three-pointer. Next, it was Jamie Peterson with 17 points, including one three-pointer. Peterson also was perfect with 100 percent on free throws, with four up and four in.

Rickie Sallie came through third with 14 points, and Kasthea Bullard was two-for-four on the foul line.

Defensively, Peterson led the way with 10 rebounds and four steals. Next it was Davison with four rebounds and five steals.

Sallie also notched four rebounds, two steals and four blocked shots.

Bullard rounded out the top four with five rebounds and two steals.

&uot;The Tigers are really coming together this year,&uot; said Jolly, obviously pleased with the outcome of both of Friday's game and the team's record so far for the year. &uot;They are working very well together, and I think we should fare well for the season.&uot;

Following the Friday night game, the Tigers hit the road for two games. Tuesday will see them in Beatrice, Ala. for the match-up against J.F. Shields, and then on Friday they will be in Brantley for another area game.

Game time in Beatrice will start with the &uot;B&uot; teams playing at 4:30 p.m., and the Brantley tip-off time is 5 p.m. when the girls will square off.