The DeKalb Middle School Lady Saints basketball team had some tough competition at the James C. Haile State Basketball Tournament last week. The team had moved through the first round of the tournament by defeating the Walter J. Baird Devilettes, but a tough game against Cornerstone Middle School moved them to the championship match against a familiar foe.
On Jan. 26, the Lady Saints were back in Murfreesboro, at Middle Tennessee Christian School, to take on Cornerstone in the second round of the state tournament. The game would be an even match through most of play.
The Lady Saints scored eight points in the first period, with Joni Robinson getting a couple of three-point baskets, while Abbi Taylor added a two-pointer. Cornerstone stayed right with them, scoring eight points of their own.
DeKalb came away with six points in the second period. Again, it was Robinson, who got a two and three-point shot, while Julia Curtis added a free throw point. Neither team could pull away with a substantial lead, with Cornerstone also getting six points. The score was tied at the half, 14 all.
DMS added eight points in the third period, with Madison Parsley coming away with a three-pointers, Robinson a two-pointer, and Curtis a free throw and a two-pointer. DeKalb stepped up on defense, holding Cornerstone to only three points, giving DMS a 22-17 lead.
The Lady Saints opened up in the third period, getting nine points. Taylor had a two-pointer and a free throw, while Sophie Cripps had a two-point basket. Macy Hedge had a pair of free throw points, while Curtis and Mya Ruch each had one free throw. Cornerstone was held to only six points, giving DMS the 31-23 victory.
Curtis was three for six on free throws, while Hedge was two for two. Ruch was one for two, while Taylor was one for four.
The win placed the Lady Saints in the championship game against the Macon County Tigerettes, and on Jan. 31 the team was once again in Murfreesboro, this time facing their old nemesis.
The Lady Saints came away with seven points in the first period, all from Joni Robinson. She had a couple of two-point baskets and a three-pointer. Macon inched past however, with nine points.
Madison Parsley scored the only DMS points in the second period, with a three-point basket. Macon moved ahead with 10 points, taking a 19-10 lead at the half.
The Lady Saints could only muster seven points in the third period, with Robinson taking a pair of two-point baskets, while Macy Hedge had a two-pointer and a free throw. Macon pushed their lead with 18 more points. The Tigerettes were up, 37-17.
DMS came away with 11 points in the fourth period. Curtis had four free-throw points, while Hedge got three. Sophie Cripps and Lera Britt each had a two-point basket. It was far from enough. Macon added eight complimentary points, taking a 45-28 win, and the championship.
Curtis was four for six on free throws, while Hedge was four for five. Taylor was zero for two, while Robinson was zero for one.
