NATCHEZ — Natchez High boys basketball coach Mike Martin missed Tuesday night’s game against Franklin County with an illness.

But with the way his team played, it didn’t appear they missed him too much.

Natchez’s defense put a stranglehold on Franklin County’s offense and the Bulldogs cruised to a 58-28 win that improved their record to 5-4.

Assistant coach David Haywood, who was acting head coach in Martin’s absence, said he was pleased with the energy his team played with.

“We could still be a little more intelligent to go along with the energy, but we played hard all night,” Haywood said. “That was the difference in the game.”

Natchez jumped on Franklin County right from the start, opening the game with a 10-2 run.

The Bulldogs continued to push and led 17-5 after one quarter.

Natchez’s defense led to offensive points as they forced numerous Franklin County turnovers, which they converted into easy baskets.

The Bulldogs were quicker to the ball than Franklin County all night long, which helped them continue to build their lead.

Haywood said it is the way the team has to play if it is to be successful.

“We’re not big, but we’re strong and quick,” Haywood said. “We’ve got to get to loose balls and force turnovers; let our defense lead to offense. When the defense is going good, the shots start falling.

Natchez led 32-15 at halftime and continued to pour it on in the second half, despite playing backups the entire fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs outscored Franklin County 13-4 in the third quarter and 13-11 in the fourth quarter to complete the rout.

Brandon Holden led Natchez with 13 points, all in the first half, while Jeremy McMorris scored 11 and Kelli Puckett scored eight in the win.

Jordan Hunt and Taylor Washington both led Franklin County in scoring with eight points each.

Natchez will jump into region play Friday when they travel to face Wingfield.

It is the first of three consecutive region games on the road. Natchez will face Terry and Jim Hill on the road before its next home game on Dec. 19 against non-region opponent Ocean Springs.

“It will be tough, but those games would be tough at home,” Haywood said. “The guys are up for the challenge.”

Haywood said he believes Martin will be back coaching the team in its next game.

Natchez High girls 72, Franklin County 45

The Natchez High Lady Bulldogs put on a show of their own, as a balanced scoring output from their top three players led them to a blowout win over Franklin County.

Natchez’s top three scorers combined for 60 points, with Keosha Bradley leading the way with 21.

Alia Frank scored 20 points for the Lady Bulldogs while Jameka Watkins chipped in with 19.

“That is fantastic,” Natchez head coach Sue Johnson said. “It sure was a good night for them.”

It was also a marked improvement from the last time Natchez High played Franklin County, which was only a three-point win for Natchez.

“I’m very pleased with the way we played tonight,” Johnson said. “We made fewer mistakes tonight. Our rebounding was better overall and our free throw percentage was better.”

Natchez jumped out to a 22-11 lead after one quarter and led 36-18 at halftime.

The Lady Bulldogs led by as much as 32 points in the fourth quarter before Johnson emptied her bench.

Franklin County was led in scoring by Vintrice Briggs, who scored eight points.

With the win, Natchez improved to 10-2 on the season.