Leon Lady Cougars sweep into the regional quarter-finals

Elissa Downey (11) looks for an opening. Sherry’s Shots The Cougars defeated Arp 61-52 at Jacksonville on February 16th and Daingerfield 55-50 at Tyler on February 17 to advance to the regional quarter finals against White Oak in Whitehouse on February 23. The Cougars trailed by 1 as the first quarter ended but rallied to take the lead 32-27 at the half. The Cougars increased their lead to 9 as the fourth quarter began. It was nip and tuck in the fourth quarter but the Cougars prevailed 61-52. Allison Carrigan scored 11 points and Kori Charlton had 9 to pace the Cougars on offense. Ashley Shuldham controlled the boards as she pulled down 18 rebounds and Chrysti Grayson had nine.

Stats for the Cougars against Arp: Monique Dorsey 6 points, 2 rebounds; Jentry Clary 8 points; Allison Carrigan 11 points, 11 rebounds; Elissa Downey 8 points, 3 rebounds; Chelby Stanford 4 points, 5 rebounds; Ashley Shuldham 7 points, 18 rebounds; Kendle Charlton 6 points, 2 rebounds; Kori Charlton 9 points, 8 rebounds; Chrysti Grayson 2 points, 12 rebounds.

Jentry Clary (4) drives around a defender. Sherry’s Shots The Cougars had an astonishing 61 rebounds which was very important as they also had 31 turnovers. If Arp missed a shot there was a Cougar there to get the rebound.

The Cougars traveled to Tyler to face Daingerfield on February 19th. The Cougars had a 2 point advantage after the first quarter but Daingerfield tied it at 27-27 at the half. The Cougars trailed by 2 at the beginning of the fourth quarter but with their season on the line the Cougars rallied and pulled out a 55-50 win. Monique Dorsey led the offense with 16 points and Elissa Downey chipped in with fifteen. Dorsey, Allison Carrigan, Ashley Shuldham and Kori Charlton had 7 rebounds each.

Stats for the Cougars against Daingerfield: Chrysti Grayson 5 rebounds; Kori Charlton 5 points, 7 rebounds; Kendle Charlton 2 rebounds; Ashley Shuldham 6 points, 7 rebounds; Chelby Stanford 2 points, 3 rebounds; Elissa Downey 15 points, 4 rebounds; Allison Carrigan 8 points, 7 rebounds; Jentry Clary 3 points, 1 rebound ; Monique Dorsey 16 points, 7 rebounds.

The game was decided at the free throw line as the Cougars were a perfect 10- 10 and Daingerfield hit 10-23 from the stripe.

The Cougars face a White Oak team that was co-champion with Sabine in district 18AA and has a 26-5 record. Coach Foley has seen White Oak play and says both teams have about the same height and if the Cougars are on he feels like they have a good chance to advance to the regional semi-finals in Tyler. Foley also said he believes Marlin who won their district has a good chance to be in the regional semi-finals. It would be good for two teams in their district to compete in Tyler in the playoffs.