The Lady Tigers won the girls version of the border battle with Warren County, outlasting the Lady Pioneers for a 45-39 win in Smithville this past week.

However, the rivalry game started out like both teams had covers on their baskets as the squads combined for only 12 first quarter points, with the Lady Tigers getting the lion’s share of those, taking an eight to four lead after one. Megan Walker’s three made her the leading scorer for the Lady Tigers in the first on her way to a nine-point night.

It was Emma Colwell who came out smoking in the second as he led her team’s surge with five points on her way to leading all scorers on the evening with 20 points. The Lady Pioneers also found the hoop and were able to grab the lead late in the second at 18-16. However, Mya Ruch threw up a shot from the corner with three second left in the frame to knot the teams at 19 going into the locker room.

The Lady Pioneers came out of the half hot, going on a 6-0 run to take a 25-19 lead before the Lady Tigers knew what hit them. Their offensive barrage was countered by Culwell who went off from outside the arc, hitting back-to-back three pointers and then adding another three to give the Lady Tigers the lead back before the end of the third.

 Culwell again led the Lady Tigers in scoring in the fourth frame with six. Meanwhile, DeKalb went seven-for-10 from the free throw line during the final period with Megan Walker going a perfect four-for-four from the charity stripe down the stretch.

The Lady Pioneers were able to trim the DeKalb advantage to 37-36 at one point but were unable to get any closer despite the late 6-0 Warren County run.

Emme Colwell led the Lady Tigers with 20 points. Megan Walker had nine. Mya Ruch had six. Megan Cantrell and Gracie Griffin each had three while Kenzie France and Madison Martin each had two points.