The DeKalb County High School Lady Tigers basketball team were in a pair of catfights last week, as they took on the Lionettes of Cannon County at home, then faced off with the Lady Wildcats of Livingston Academy while on the road. DeKalb would win big in one game, then fall in a close one.
On Tuesday, February 2, the hometown crowd was out in force as the Lady Tigers were on their home court against the Lionettes. This was the first game since the TSSAA relaxed Covid restrictions on attendance, allowing one-third capacity, as well as letting cheerleaders back to the games.
The Lady Tigers came out in force in the first quarter, with Ella VanVraken taking the lead. She scored three two-point shots, and two three-point baskets. Cadee Griffith had a three-point basket, Kadee Ferrell a two-pointer, and Madison Martin a free throw point. Cannon was held to 11 points.
Kadee Ferrell lit up the second quarter, with 15 points on her own. VanVraken had a two and three-point shot, while Martin had a three-pointer. While DeKalb put 23 on the board, the Lionettes were held to just eight. The Lady Tigers held a 41-19 halftime lead.
Martin sank a pair of three-point shots and a two-pointer for the Lady Tigers in the third quarter, while Ferrell had a couple of two-point shots and a free throw, and VanVraken had a three-point basket. Cannon scored 12, but DeKalb increased their lead, 57-31.
DeKalb scored 11 points to finish out the game, with Martin and Ally Fuller each getting a two-point shot, while Ferrell, VanVraken, and Griffith each had two points from the free throw line, and Summer Crook had one free throw point. The Lionettes were held to eight points, securing the Lady Tigers' 68-39 victory.
The following Saturday afternoon, the Lady Tigers were back in action, this time on the road against the Livingston Academy Lady Wildcats. This game would remain within striking distance throughout.
The Lady Tigers scored 12 points in the first quarter, with VanVraken getting a two-point basket and four free throw points, and Megan Cantrell with a pair of three-pointers. The Lady Wildcats were one better with 13 points.
DeKalb could only muster four points in the second quarter, with Ferrell and VanVraken each coming away with a two-pointer. But, Livingston couldn't do much better. They were held to six points, but increased their lead, 19-16, at the half.
The Lady Tigers opened things up in the third quarter, scoring 16 points. Cantrell had a couple of three-point shots, Ferrell a two and three-pointer, Martin a three-point basket, and VanVraken a two-pointer. The Lady Wildcats were held to just eight points, giving DeKalb a 32-27 lead.
The momentum shifted in the fourth quarter. DeKalb scored seven points, with Cantrell getting a three-point shot, and Ferrell a two-pointer and a pair of free throws. The Lady Wildcats came roaring back, scoring 16 points, taking the 43-39 win.
The Lady Tigers are 9-12 on the season, 3-9 in the district.
