Scotland County Claims Girls Conference Win

Scotland County Claims Girls Conference Win

By David Sharp

   Scotland County cut hard to the hole and caused Lady Eagle turnovers during January 11, Tri-Rivers Conference girls’ play at Scotland County. The Lady Tigers avenged an earlier season loss at Knox County with a 60-46 victory.

   Knox County (4-7, 1-3) closed a seven point first half deficit to a field goal when Katie Ausmus sank a three ball with 37 seconds showing on the second quarter clock. Amanda Woods converted a free throw at the 11 second mark for a 22-20 Lady Tiger lead.

   Scotland County (4-7, 1-0) made plays on both ends of the court most of the night. Melissa Cotton converted a three shot opportunity at the halftime buzzer, raising the Scotland County margin to 24-20 at the half.

   The Lady Tigers came out of the dressing room breathing fire on Courtwarming night. Scotland County cracked off a quick 11-2 run for a 35-22 lead with about six minutes remaining in period three.

   Knox County picked up their defensive intensity. The result was a 10-4 Knox County surge.

   The Lady Eagles stayed in the game at the free throw line late in the period. Stacey Leckbee drove for a KCHS bucket with 37 seconds showing on the third quarter clock for a 39-32 Scotland County lead.

   The Lady Eagles sank two of four free throws during the final 14 seconds of the third quarter and closed within a 39-34 deficit after three quarters of play. Scotland County took the ball right at the tall KCHS front line and scored two inside buckets on consecutive possessions for a 45-38 lead with six minutes remaining in the game.

   Lorrie Peters beat the defense and pulled Knox County within a 47-40 with 5:23 showing on the fourth quarter clock. Melissa Cotton shook loose and drained a momentum changing three pointer for Scotland County with 4:08 to play in the game.

   Kaitlin Caldwell set up the play with an offensive rebound of a missed free throw. Scotland County converted on the offensive end during the second half. Good Lady Tiger execution and cutting down on Knox County’s second chance baskets was key to the Lady Tiger victory.

   Knox County had at least eight first half points off the offensive glass. Kirsten Johnston was able to use her speed and quickness. Johnston was among several Lady Tigers that cut hard to the hole, creating scoring chances.

   Kirsten Johnston scored a game high 19 points for Scotland County. Johnston gave her team a 58-43 lead with a three pointer at the 2:30 mark of the fourth quarter. Katie Ausmus went hard to the hole and completed a three point play with 52 seconds remaining. Ausmus closed the book on the 60-46 Lady Tiger win.

   Melissa Cotton was in double figures for the home team with 13 points. Kaitlin Caldwell scored nine Scotland County points. The Lady Tigers went 13-20 from the free throw line. Knox County had a solid game at the stripe, converting 14 of 21 for 67%.

   Lorrie Peters led the Lady Eagles with 12 points. Katie Ausmus was in double figures with ten KCHS points. Amanda Woods scored seven points. Stacey Leckbee tossed in six points for Knox County.

   Tessa Ramer scored five KC points. Myra Parrish scored four points and Becca Mallett added two points.

   The sixth seeded Lady Eagles take on third seeded Marion County (3-6) in first round North Shelby Tournament action on January 15 at 7:30PM. Knox County’s boys tangle with North Shelby immediately following the Knox County girls’ first round contest.