The DeKalb County High School Lady Tigers basketball team wrapped up tournament play in Lynnville, TN, on December 27, before starting district play at home on January 5. The girls would get a win on the road, before falling in a contentious game at home.
The Lady Tigers concluded participation in the Richland Christmas Classic by beating Columbia Academy 49 to 32. DeKalb opened up the game with 12 points in the first period, with Ella VanVranken sinking three two-point baskets and a two-pointer, while Chloe VanVranken, Brooklyn Fuson, and Tess Barton each added a free throw point. Columbia came away with five points.
DeKalb added 10 to the board in the second, with Chloe hitting a two-pointer and a pair of free throws, sister Ella and Barton each with a two-point shot, and Fuson with two more free throw points. Again, Columbia was held to five, giving the Lady Tigers the 22-10 halftime lead.
Cam Branin got on the board for the Lady Tigers in the third with a couple of two-point baskets, while Avery Agee hit a pair of three-pointers. Allie Melton had a two-point shot and a free throw, while Ella VanVranken and Barton each had a couple of free throw points. Columbia scored 10, but DeKalb held the 42-20 lead.
Lillie Young sank a two-point basket for the Lady Tigers in the fourth, while Agee added three free throw points, and Branin and Ella each had one. Columbia came away with 12, but DeKalb claimed the 49-32 victory.
The night wouldn’t be so kind to the Lady Tigers the following week as they began district play, hosting the Lady Warriors of White County. DeKalb would jump out with the lead in the first period, but then just would not be able to hit the hoops as the game progressed.
The Lady Tigers put 20 on the board in the first period, with Chloe VanVranken sinking a two-pointer, a three-pointer, and a free throw, while Avery Agee hit a two and three-pointer of her own. Allie Melton hit a three-point shot, Tess Barton a pair of two-pointers, and Ella VanVranken a two-point basket. White County was held to 12.
The game slowed for DeKalb in the second. Melton had a pair of three-point shots, Ella a couple of two-pointers, and Chloe one two-point basket. The Lady Warriors came to life putting 27 points on the board, and taking the 39-32 halftime lead.
The Lady Tigers scored 11 in the third, with Ella hitting a couple of two-point shots, and a three-pointer, while Chloe added a three-pointer and a free throw. White County piled on 17 more, going up 56-43.
Melton and Barton each had a two-point basket for the Lady Tigers in the fourth while Chloe and Ella each had a free throw. White ended the game with 24, taking the 80-49 win.
