NATCHEZ — The free throw line was Natchez High’s best friend Friday night in its district clash against Wingfield.

Junior Ty’Ran Newman hit six fourth-quarter free throws, four of which came with less than 30 seconds to play, as the Bulldogs held off the Falcons 62-56.

“You can’t be nervous at the free throw line,” Newman said. “If you are nervous, nine times out of 10, you’re going to miss, so you just have to let it go with the flow.”

Newman finished the game with 13 points, and teammate Micheal Morris finished with a game-high 18 points.

“I think (the team) showed some toughness (Friday),” Natchez assistant coach David Haywood said. “Wingfield is a good team. Their record is very deceiving. They’ve been facing some of the top ranked teams in the state and have had some good games with the likes of Callaway and Greenville. They’ve played some stiff competition, so this was a good win for our guys.”

Natchez and Wingfield traded baskets most of the game, with neither team ever holding a significant lead.

“Defensively, the way those guys scramble around, that was the key to the game and our success,” Haywood said. “Even when they got across half court, Daryl (Jones) had some great strips under the goal because he continued to rotate to the play. That is what we have to continue to do.”

Jones finished the game with 12 points and JaDarrius Ivory added nine points for the Bulldogs.