Natchez High School

Michael Martin's 17th Bulldogs team returned all three of its key starters: 6-7 senior wing Rouldre Thomas, the Natchez-area player of the year with offers from N.C. State, Alabama, Mississippi State and Southern California, 6-7 senior power forward Troy Moore and 5-10 senior point guard Morris Credit. Thomas had highs of 37 points and 20 rebounds, Moore 31 and 11. Rebounding and balanced scoring were the strengths; Washington of Tulsa had routed them in Arkansas earlier in December. Christmas at home was followed by a 13-hour bus ride. 12-3 coming in.