Florala held Laurel Hill, Fla., to just three points in the third period, but the Wildcats couldn’t hang on late in a 48-36 loss to the Hoboes on Saturday night.

LHHS led 25-12 at halftime in its win.

With more than five minutes remaining, the Hoboes led 38-30 in the contest and Florala made a last-ditch effort thanks to quality play by John Bess.

FHS coach Daniel Allison said his team’s effort on Saturday was a lot better than Friday’s effort, noting a few players who stepped up.

“Dakota Worley, he came off of the bench and just did some good things for us,” Allison said. “I’m just proud of him for his efffort. Tamaris Jamison was big on the boards for us. He missed a couple shots, but he made up for them on the rebounds.

“What I told them after the game was tonight was the end of the first season,” he said. “The real season begins (tonight). I feel a lot better going into (today’s) game with our effort (Saturday).”

FHS cut the lead to 44-36 on Bess’ front-end of a pair of free throws with 30.6 seconds left.

Bess led FHS with 14 points. Austin McNeill and Jamison had eight points each. Worley chipped in six points.

Laurel Hill’s Tommy Calloway led with 14 points. Tee Calloway added 11 points.

In girls action, the Lady Wildcats fell 30-26 in a close game.

Florala visits Geneva County tonight in area action.