The DeKalb County High School Lady Tigers basketball team entered the final week of their regular season last week, hosting one home game, then going on the road for their final two games.
On Tuesday, February 9, the Lady Tigers were in front of a big hometown crowd as they took on the visiting team from Macon County. It would not go DeKalb's way.
The Lady Tigers scored six points in the first quarter, with Ella VanVraken coming away with a pair of two-point baskets, and Kadee Ferrell with one. Macon County scored 16 points and took a lead they would never relinquish.
DeKalb put eight points on the board in the second quarter, with Ferrell getting a couple of two-point shots and a free throw, while Madison Martin sank a three-pointer. Macon scored 15, taking a 31-14 halftime lead.
Megan Cantrell had a pair of three-point shots for the Lady Tigers in the third quarter, while Ferrell had a two-point basket and a free throw. Cadee Griffith had a two-pointer of her own, while VanVraken added a free throw point. Macon added 18 points to their tally, taking a 49-26 lead.
The Lady Tigers only mustered 13 points in the fourth quarter. Cantrell had another pair of three-point baskets, while Martin and Hannah Willingham each had one three-point shot. Ferrell added a free throw point. Macon sealed their victory with 11 more points on the board. The final score, 60-39.
The Lady Tigers would have a better outcome during their next game. The following Thursday, the team was on the road, facing Smith County.
DeKalb came out fast, scoring 14 points in the first quarter. VanVraken had a two-pointer and four free throw points, while Ferrell had a two-pointer and three free throws. Cantrell also sank a three-point basket. Smith County was held to just four points.
The roles were reversed in the second quarter, with the Lady Tigers only able to add four points to the board, all off of free throws by VanVraken. Smith County came roaring back, scoring 16 points and taking a 20-18 lead at the half.
DeKalb got back on track in the third quarter, scoring points. Ferrell had four two-point baskets and a free throw, while Martin and Griffith each had a two-point shot. Cantrell also sank a three-point shot. Smith County was held to just 12 points, giving the Lady Tigers a narrow 34-32 lead.
It came down to the fourth quarter. DeKalb scored six points, with Ferrell getting a two-pointer and a free throw, Xharia Lyons a two-point basket, and Martin a free throw. Smith was held to just two free throw points, giving the Lady Tigers the 40-34 win.
The game would be an almost mirror image for the Lady Tigers last regular season game. The team would be in a fight, right through the fourth quarter, as they took on Red Boiling Springs the next evening.
The Lady Tigers once again came out strong in the first quarter, putting 10 points on the scoreboard. Ferrell had three two-point baskets, while Martin and Summer Crook each had a two-point shot. RBS was held to six points.
Ferrell was the Lady Tigers' lone scorer in the second quarter, coming away with a pair of two-pointers and a free throw, and once again DeKalb let the lead slip away before the half. RBS put 10 points on the board, taking a 16-15 lead.
DeKalb scored eight points in the third quarter, with VanVraken getting a two-pointer and a pair of free throws, while Griffith and Ferrell each had a two-point basket of their own. RBS matched the Lady Tigers point for point, keeping a narrow 24-23 lead.
Once again the Lady Tigers were in a battle in the fourth quarter. DeKalb put up 11 points with Martin coming away with a two-point shot and a pair of free throws, Ferrell with a two-pointer and a free throw, Griffith with a two-point basket, and VanVraken with a couple of free throw points. But, Red Boiling Springs pushed ahead with 16 points on the board, taking the 40-34 victory.
The Lady Tigers end the regular season at 10-14, and 4-10 in the district. DeKalb finished sixth place in District 8AA. They are scheduled to host Smith County to begin district tournament play on February 15.
