Lady Cougars still tied for first

Ashley Shuldham (15) throws up a shot. Sherry’s Shots The Leon Lady Cougars defeated Hearne 63-39 and Franklin 74-61 to remain tied for first place in District 20AA.

The Cougars traveled to Hearne on January 26th and exploded for 24 points in the first quarter to open up a 14-point lead that they increased to 19 at half time. The Cougars maintained the pressure in the third and fourth quarter and won easily 63-39. Three players scored in double figures led by Jentry Clary with 13 while Elissa Downey had 12 and Chelby Stanford chipped in with 10. Ashley Shuldham had 12 rebounds and Downey had 10 to pace the Cougars.

The Cougars hosted Franklin on January 29th and came away with another big victory. The Cougars started slowly in the first quarter and were tied 16-16 before tallying 21 points in the second quarter to lead by 37-19 at intermission. The advantage ballooned to 13 points going into the fourth quarter and each team tallied 19 points in the fourth to put the final score 74-61, LHS.

The Cougars nailed 12 three-point shots with Allison Carrigan, Ashley Shuldham, and Kori Charlton netting 3 each. Kori Charlton had a great game with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Ashley Shuldham finished with 17 points and Allison Carrigan tossed in 11 points. An unusual statistic was that Franklin attempted 18 free throws while the Cougars did not attempt a free throw. Downey came down hard on her ankle with 13 seconds left in the game but the injury is not considered serious.

Stats for the Cougars against Franklin: Chrysti Grayson 7 rebounds; Kori Charlton 19 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists; Kendle Charlton 1 rebound; Ashley Shuldham 17 points, 8 rebounds; Chelby Stanford 9 points, 6 rebounds; Elissa Downey 9 points, 6 rebounds; Allison Carrigan 11 points, 7 rebounds; Jentry Clary 3 points, 1 rebound; Monique Downey 6 points, 2 rebounds.

The Lady Cougars remain tied for first place in the district and have a crucial game against Teague in Teague on February 2nd and host Rosebud-Lott on February 5th before traveling to Marlin for the final game before the playoffs. By virtue of their win against Franklin the Cougars are assured of at least third place in district and advancing to the first round of the state playoffs. Of course the Cougars are hoping to win the district crown outright and will if they win their last three games.

JUNIOR VARSITY

The Leon Lady Cougars JV team met Franklin in an earlier contest and came away with a 32-25 victory. Both teams started off very slowly. The Cougars held a 9-7 advantage at the half, then took control of the game in the

third quarter by outscoring Franklin by 10 to take a commanding 26-14 lead heading into the fourth period. Franklin cut into the margin but the Cougars prevailed 32-25.

Point guard Sharon Coulter had 10 points and 4 rebounds while directing the Cougar offense. Shey Mc- Cune had 9 points and Paige McKensie tossed in 8. Avery Robinson controlled both boards as she gathered 9 rebounds.