Newton County’s girls got an early start in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A/2A/3A soccer playoffs Monday – but it didn’t translate into a victory.



The Lady Cougars, who were the Division 4 runnerup to Clarkdale, ventured to Caledonia Monday afternoon and dropped a 2-0 decision to the Division 2 champs in first-round playoff action.



Newton County’s girls finished with a 7-7 overall record. Four Lady Cougar seniors will be honored tonight when Newton County’s boys host Caledonia in another first-round playoff contest.



– Rocky Higginbotham



PREP BASKETBALL

Patrician girls 61

Jackson Acad. 31

The Lady Saints jumped all over Jackson (Ala.) Academy and coasted to an easy win Monday night in AISA basketball action.

Patrician, which improved to 19-2 overall, led 33-12 at halftime. The Lady Saints got 16 points from Kane Andrews and eight rebounds from Bridgette Carney.

Erin Bowling led Jackson with 17 points.

Patrician’s next action comes Thursday in the AISA Area Tournament. The Lady Saints are the host and top seed in the event, and will take on Marengo Academy Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

– Rocky Higginbotham