WAC teams honor B. Hood

BY BRADLEY CROW
The Wesson Cobras used Friday evening to celebrate the life of one of the greatest players to ever wear the blue and white of the Cobras on the hardwood.  Brandt Hood tragically passed away Thursday, one year removed from amazing the Cobra faithful with his outstanding shooting ability, unflappable poise, and outstanding character.    
His former teammates found it only a fitting honor to dedicate this game and the rest of the 2007-2008 season to their former floor leader.  Sporting a black #23 patch on their uniforms and after a moment of silence and prayer, the Cobras (7-3, 0-1) unleashed a dismantling of the Rebels of Central Private to the tune of 99-68 in front of an emotionally charged home crowd.  In addition to winning the game, the Cobras found such a fitting night to set the school record for points scored with 99.  The previous record was 92 from the 2005 squad.
Leading the way for the Cobras was gritty senior guard Josh Hood who gave his best effort of the season by scoring 16 points in the game dedicated to his first cousin. Senior forward Josh Hart had an outstanding performance with 22 points and 19 rebounds as the double-doubles keep stacking up.  Matthew Cliburn had another solid effort with 15 points and 11 boards.  Lonnie Reeves chipped in 19 points.
“Brandt was an amazing young man,” commented an emotional head coach Ron Kessler.  “We definitely had six men on the court tonight.  He will be sorely missed.”
The Lady Cobras (6-5, 0-1) ripped the Lady Rebels 54-42 in a game that saw the Wesson ladies mature from a battle tested early season.  Sophomore forward Ann Shelby Davis led the Lady Cobras yet again with 19 points and 4 rebounds.  Danielle Tadlock had a tremendous game with 8 points and 9 rebounds.  Leah Greer tallied 8 points in the victory.