It was another disappointing week for the DeKalb County High School Lady Tigers basketball team as the girls wrapped up the regular season and move into post-season play. The ladies fell at home during Senior Night as they hosted Livingston Academy, then fell in a pair of road games to end season play.
On Monday, February 5, the Lady Tigers were in front of the hometown crowd for the last time this season as they hosted the Lady Wildcats of Livingston for Senior Night. DeKalb would stay withing striking distance through most of the game, but would let the final period get away from them.
The Lady Tigers scored six in the first period, with a three-point basket by Avery Agee, a two-pointer by Tess Barton, and a free throw by Cam Branin. Livingston would put 14 on the board.
Branin hit a three-pointer and a free throw for the Lady Tigers in the second period, while Barton sank three two-point shots. Allie Melton got on the board with a two-pointer as well. The Lady Wildcats were held to six, cutting their lead at the half, 20-18.
Chloe VanVranken got on the board for the Lady Tigers in the third period, hitting a pair of two-point baskets and a couple of free throws. Agee had a three-pointer, and Barton a two-pointer. Livingston was held to eight, putting DeKalb up 29-28.
Melton and Agee each had a three-point shot for DeKalb in the fourth, but unfortunately that was all they would score. The Lady Wildcats came away with 15 points and the 43-35 win.
The following Thursday the team was on the road, this time traveling to the far away land of Cumberland County where they took on the Lady Panthers of Stone Memorial. The Lady Panthers would take the early lead and continue to pull away throughout the game.
Chloe VanVranken scored on a two-pointer and a free throw in the first period, while sister Ella came away with four free throw points. Tess Barton also had a two-point basket. Stone Memorial scored 14 points.
The Lady Tigers put 15 points on the board in the second period, with Barton hitting three two-point shots, and Avery Agee a three-pointer. Ella VanVranken had a two-pointer and a free throw, Allie Melton a two-pointer, and Chloe VanVranken had a free throw point. The Lady Panthers scored 16 and were up 30-24 at halftime.
Cam Branin hit a couple of two-point shots and a three-pointer for the Lady Tigers in the third, while Ella VanVranken had three two-point baskets and three free throw points. Again, Stone Memorial outscored DeKalb with 20 points, taking the 50-40 lead.
The Lady Tigers ended the game with 14 more points. Agee hit a two and three-point shot, while Ella VanVranken had a couple of two-pointers and three free throws. Chloe VanVranken had a pair of free throws. Stone ended with 16 points and the 66-54 win.
The following Saturday, the Lady Tigers played their final regular game, traveling to Warren County to take on the Lady Pioneers. It would be a tight game throughout with the match decided late by just three points.
The Lady Tigers scored 14 in the first period, with Chloe VanVranken hitting a pair of two-pointers and a couple of free throws, while Ella sank a two-pointer and a free throw. Avery Agee hit a three-pointer and Allie Melton had a two-pointer. The Lady Pioneers also came away with 14 points.
Melton sank a two and three-point basket for the Lady Tigers in the second period, while Tess Barton added a couple of two-pointers. Ella VanVranken and Brooke Fuson each had a two-pointer, while Cam Branin and Chloe VanVranken each had a pair of free-throw points. Warren County inched ahead with 18 points and the narrow 32-31 halftime lead.
Ella VanVranken sank a two-pointer and five free throws for DeKalb in the third period, while Barton added a couple of two-point shots. The Lady Pioneers came away with 15 points, increasing their lead, 47-42.
It all came down to the fourth period. Ella VanVranken hit a two-pointer, a couple of three-pointers, and a pair of free throws for the Lady Tigers, while sister Chloe, Agee and Barton each had a two-point shot. Warren was held to 14 points, but it was enough to claim the 61-58 Lady Pioneers win.
