In their district opener Friday evening, December 11, at home against Mount Pleasant, the Lady Cats Basketball Team built up a 11 point lead after three quarters and, then, were able to withstand a fierce comeback attempt by the Lady Tigers in the fourth quarter to take a 41-36 win in a hard fought, physical game.
The Lady Tigers pressured the Lady Cats with a full court press the entire game. Both teams had trouble early scoring against the other’s defense. As a result, Mount Pleasant led after the first quarter, 6-4. The Lady Cats caught fire in the second quarter outscoring the Lady Tigers, 16-7 to open up a 20-13 half time advantage. The Lady Cats increased their lead to 11 points after three quarters outscoring Mount Pleasant, 9-5 to lead, 29-18. Mount Pleasant scored as many points in the fourth quarter as they had over the first three quarters combined as they staged a comeback. The Lady Cats had just enough answers to hold off the Lady Tigers.
Lady Cats senior post Nylah Lindley had quite a night. Not only did she grab a lot of tough rebounds but she also led all scorers with 13 points. Junior Baylie Large hit two 3-point baskets and had 9 points. Sophomore Kenzie Willis managed 6 points. Sophomore Addisyn Wall scored 5 points including a trey. Seniors Bre’Asia Ivery and Dalanee Myles had 4 points each. The Lady Cats had to play long stretches of the second half without either Willis or Ivery, who were both hampered by foul trouble. Mount Pleasant was led in scoring by super sophomore Paris Beard, who had 8 points, including 7 in the final quarter.
The Lady Cats are 1-0 in district play and their season record improves to 4-3. They have won two games in a row. The Lady Cats continue district play Tuesday evening in Texarkana against Texas High.
