The DeKalb County High School Lady Tigers basketball team took a break from the road last week, playing a couple of games in front of the hometown crowd. While TSSAA restrictions on attendance was extended last week, limiting those who can attend the games, as well as barring cheerleaders from the matches, many family members were on hand to cheer on the team.
On Tuesday, January 19, the Lady Tigers took on the Lady Owls from Smith County. The game would remain tight through the third quarter, with the lead going back and forth, but the fourth quarter would see one team break away.
The Lady Tigers scored 15 points in the first quarter, with Kadee Ferrell sinking a two-pointer and a pair of free throws, while Ella VanVraken had a two-pointer and one free throw. Megan Cantrell and Madison Martin each had a three-point basket, while Cadee Griffith had a couple of free throw points. The Lady Owls came away with 14 points, giving DeKalb an uncomfortable lead.
DeKalb scored 13 points in the second quarter, with Ferrell again getting a two-point shot as well as three free throws. Cantrell had another three-pointer, while Summer Crook added three points from free throws. VanVraken also scored two free throw points. Despite the baskets by DeKalb, Smith County scored 16 points, giving the Lady Owls a 30-28 halftime lead.
The lead would go back and forth through the first part of the third quarter, then the Lady Tigers came to life. DeKalb scored 20 points with VanVraken coming away with a three-pointer, two two-pointers, and a free throw, while Ferrell added a two-pointer and three free throw points. Natalie Snipes sank a three-point basket, while Griffith and Xharia Lyons each had a two-point shot. Smith was held to eight points, giving the Lady Tigers a 48-38 lead.
The Lady Tigers kept up the pressure in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points. VanVraken scored a three-pointer and four free throws, while Griffith had a two-pointer and a free throw. Martin had three free throw points, while Ferrell had two. The Lady Owls were held to just nine points, giving DeKalb the 63-47 victory.
The following Friday night the girls were back on their home court, this time taking on the Dragonettes of York Institute. The game would start out close, but the Lady Tigers would start to fade in the second quarter.
DeKalb scored 11 points in the first quarter, with VanVraken getting a three-pointer and a two-pointer, while Ferrell and Crook each had a two-point basket. Martin added two points off of free throws. The Dragonettes also scored 11 points, tying the score.
The Lady Tigers came away with nine points in the second quarter, with VanVraken getting a three-point shot and a pair of free throws, while Ferrell had a two-pointer. Martin had two free throw points. York came away with 15 points, taking a 26-20 lead at the half.
Cantrell sank a pair of three-pointers and a couple of two-pointers for the Lady Tigers in the third quarter, while Ferrell added three free throw points. Griffith also had a free throw, giving DeKalb 10 points. York added to their lead with 17 points, taking the 43-34 lead.
The Lady Tigers scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, with VanVraken sinking a couple of two-point baskets and a pair of free throws, while Ferrell got a pair of two-pointers. Snipes also added a three-point basket. York also scored 13 points, securing their 58-47 win.
