The DeKalb County High School Lady Tigers basketball team had a long week last week, playing a pair of district games then facing a tough 4A border rival, all on the road.

On Tuesday, January 3, the ladies traveled to Livingston take on the Lady Wildcats. Livingston would overpower DeKalb early and never look back.

The Lady Tigers scored nine in the first period, with a two and three-point basket by Ella VanVranken, a three-pointer by Avery Agee, and a free throw by Chloe VanVranken. The Lady Wildcats would come away with 18.

DeKalb stepped up in the second period, scoring 18 points. Ella VanVranken hit a pair of three-point shots and a two-pointer, while sister Chloe sank a couple of two-pointers and a free throw. Agee added another three-point shot, while Tess Barton put up a couple of free throw points. Livingston was held to 14, but claimed the 32-27 lead at the half.

In the third period, Ella VanVranken sank another pair of three-point shots while Agee added another of her own. Chloe VanVranken put two free throw points on the board. The Lady Wildcats increased their lead with 15 points, 47-38.

The fourth period was all the VanVranken sisters for DeKalb. Ella had three two-point baskets and three free throws, while Chloe added a couple of free throw points. Livingston came away with 15 points and the 62-49 win.

Ella VanVranken, the newest member of the 1,000 point club, was the top scorer for DeKalb, coming away with 28 points. Chloe had 10, Agee had nine, and Barton put up two points.

The following Friday, the girls were back on the road, this time traveling to the far away land of Lafayette to take on the Macon Lady Tigers. DeKalb would fall behind early, but would slowly pull ahead then slam the door shut in the fourth.

DeKalb scored six in the first period, all off of two-pointers by Ella VanVranken. Macon came away with nine, and the early lead.

DeKalb upped the pressure in the second period, scoring 10, while holding Macon to only six. Avery Agee sank a three-point basket, while Ella and Chloe VanVranken each had a two-pointer. Madison Martin got on the board with a pair of free throws, while Dare Collins had one. DeKalb was up 16-15 at halftime.

Martin came away with a couple of two-pointers and a pair of free throws for DeKalb in the third period, while Collins added two two-pointers and a free throw of her own. Chloe VanVranken had a two-point basket, while Ella sank two free throw points. Macon was held to 15 points, giving DeKalb the 31-27 lead.

DeKalb really turned up the heat in the fourth, scoring 23 points. Agee hit three three-point baskets, while Collins had a pair of three-pointers and a two-pointer. Chloe VanVranken sank a two-point shot, while Ella had four free throw points. Macon was held to 12 points, giving DeKalb the 54-39 victory.

Collins and Ella VanVranken tied for the most points, each at 14, while Agee came away with 12. Martin had eight, and Chloe VanVranken had six.

On Saturday, the girls were once again on the road, this time taking on a strong 4A team in the Warren County Lady Pioneers. It would be a tough afternoon for the Lady Tigers.

DeKalb held their own in the first period, scoring 16 while Warren came away with 20. Ella VanVranken hit a couple of two-point shots and a free throw, while Avery Agee sank a three-pointer. Cam Branin, Madison Martin, and Dare Collins each had a two-pointer, while Chloe VanVranken added a pair of free throw points.

The Lady Pioneers got into a rhythm in the second period and seemed unable to miss the hoop. Warren scored 24 while holding DeKalb to nine. Ella VanVranken put four free throw points on the board for the Lady Tigers, while Chloe added a two-pointer and a free throw. Collins had a two-point shot as well. Warren was up 44-25 at the half.

The second half was a disaster for DeKalb County. Agee would sink a three-pointer for the Lady Tigers in the third, but that would be the last points the team would see in the game. The ladies would take many shots, but just wouldn’t be able to find the net.  

The Lady Pioneers scored 20 in the third period, then capped the game off with six in the fourth. Warren would take the 70-28 victory.

Ella VanVranken was top of the scoreboard for DeKalb with 10 points, while Agee had six. Chloe VanVranken had five, Collins four, and Branin and Martin each had two.