The DeKalb County High School Lady Tigers basketball team suffered a big loss early in the week last week, on the road against a powerful district opponent, but bounced back the following Friday on their home court with an exciting win. The girls are 11-10 on the season and 3-4 in district play.
On Tuesday, January 17, the Lady Tigers were on the road in Baxter, where they faced off with a tough Upperman team. The Lady Bees would dominate most of the game.
DeKalb scored 14 points in the first period, with Ella VanVranken sinking four two-point baskets, a three-pointer and a free throw, while Avery Agee added a pair of free throw points. The Lady Bees stayed right with the Lady Tigers, scoring 15 points.
The Lady Tigers only managed seven points in the second period, with Ella VanVranken hitting two more two-point shots, and Agee another pair of free throws. Madison Martin also added a free throw point. Upperman pulled way ahead with 28 points and the 43-21 halftime lead.
DeKalb was shut down in the third period, with the team’s lone point coming from a free throw by Ella VanVranken. Meanwhile, the Lady Bees added 10 to their tally, taking a 53-22 lead.
Once again the Lady Tigers were held to only three points in the fourth. Ella VanVranken sank a pair of free throws, while sister Chloe had one. Upperman sealed the game shut with seven points, taking the 61-25 win.
Ella VanVranken was the top scorer for DeKalb with 19 points, while Agee had four. Martin and Chloe VanVranken each had one.
The following Friday, the girls were back at home, this time taking on the Lady Panthers of Stone Memorial. This game would have a better outcome, though the score would remain close throughout.
The Lady Tigers came away with 11 points in the first period, with Ella VanVranken scoring on a two-pointer and a couple of free throws, while Avery Agee hit a three-pointer. Madison Martin had a pair of free throw points, while Chloe VanVranken had one. The Lady Panthers were held to nine points.
DeKalb put nine on the scoreboard in the second period, with Agee hitting a three-pointer and a free throw, while Martin had a three-point shot of her own. Ella VanVranken had a two-point basket. Stone Memorial jumped ahead with 16 points, taking a 25-20 halftime lead.
The Lady Tigers got back on track in the third period, scoring 16 points. Agee was on fire with a pair of three-point baskets and a couple of two-pointers, while Martin had a pair of two-pointers as well. Ella VanVranken also had a two-point shot. The Lady Panthers scored just seven, giving DeKalb the 35-32 lead.
It came down to the fourth period with the teams going back and forth. The Lady Tigers added 16 points to the board, with Ella VanVranken sinking a pair of two-point shots and six free throws, while Chloe VanVranken hit on a two-pointer and a couple of free throws. Martin and Agee each had one free throw point. Stone came away with 13 points, giving DeKalb the 51-47 victory.
Ella VanVranken and Agee each had 18 points in the game, while Martin had 10. Chloe VanVranken had five points.
