NATCHEZ — Natchez High Bulldogs play against Wingfield High School today at 6 p.m. in the last Region 6-5A game of the season for the Bulldogs.

In the last game against Forest Hill High School on Tuesday, a Mississippi High School Athletics Association Region 6-5A foe, James Singleton led the Bulldogs with 23 points and KeDarius Stampley was second on the team with 15 points.

In tonight’s game, Natchez faces off against another MHSAA Region 6-5A foe in the Falcons. Head Coach David Haywood said the game tonight has no implications on the Region 6-5A tournament on Feb. 11.

“Today is about getting a feel about how we’re going to beat Wingfield in the region tournament,” Haywood said. “If we can beat them today and then in the first round of the region tournament, then we will set ourselves up to play in the region championship.”

In Thursday’s morning practice, the Bulldogs focused on how to defeat a zone defense. In the Region 6-5A games this season, Haywood said both Wingfield and Forest Hill played Natchez in a zone defense. Stampley said the team used to play a man-to-man defense against the two teams.

“We wanted to switch it up and play zone defense,” Stampley said. “We just have to move in the zone. When we play it right, then we’re going to be able to defeat them.”

Tonight is Senior Night for the Natchez High Bulldogs basketball teams, and basketball seniors will be honored before the boys basketball game at 7 p.m. against the Wingfield High School Falcons.

The seniors on the boys team are Ja’kel Barnes, Jakwon Knight, Singleton, Standrick Starks and Stampley. Knight has been playing basketball for one year for the Bulldogs. He said this season has meant a lot to him with playing on the team.

“It has meant a lot, especially tonight being Senior Night,” Knight said. “I hope to play good basketball and get the win.”

The Falcons come into tonight’s game on a two game winning streak against Region 6-5A opponents. In the last Region 6 games, Wingfield defeated both Forest Hill High and Jim Hill High. Wingfield won 84-51 over last placed Jim Hill. One of the players the Bulldogs need to contain is Damarion Arrington. In the game against Jim Hill, Arrington scored 20 points and made 90% of his shots.

In the Region 6 standings, Natchez High is in the No. 3 spot with a 2-3 record against Region 6 teams while Wingfield is the No. 2 spot with a 4-1 record. Haywood said he has high hopes for tonight’s game against the Falcons.

“We have played hard in the region with great intentions but we have to be more detailed,” Haywood said. “We have to be able to seize the moment more and have an opportunity to make plays. I’m excited. I think the guys will step up and accepted the challenge.”

Senior Night festivities will happen in between the Lady Bulldogs game at 6 p.m. and the boys basketball game at 7 p.m.