YSE File Photo
After losing back-to-back games by a total of three points, the Todd County Central Lady Rebels finally got a close one to go their way and end their four-game losing skid Monday night. Alexis Taylor made two free throws with 2.8 seconds to go in the game to give the Lady Rebels a 50-48 win over the Russellville Lady Panthers.
Russellville would get a three-pointer off ahead of the horn that would have won the game, but LaReesha Cawthorn’s shot was off the mark as Todd Central held on for the win.
The game was one where both teams saw double-digit leads slip away. Russellville in the first half and Todd County Central in the second half.
The Lady Panthers, with Amiyah Collier leading the way, came out quickly. An early 12-0 run put Russellville up 14-3. Collier scored the Lady Panthers’ first eight points.
The Lady Rebels came battling back and cut the lead down to 15-9 by the end of the opening quarter.
The Todd Central defense set the tone in the second quarter. The Lady Rebels clamped down on the Lady Panthers, allowing them just two field goals and a single free throw in the quarter. Meanwhile, the Lady Rebels took advantage of free throw opportunities to pull even at 20-20 at the half. Todd County Central was 7 of 10 at the line in the second.
Jamaia Burks, who was limited to three first-half points, ignited the Lady Rebels at the beginning of the second half. Burks scored nine in the third quarter, as Todd Central built a ten-point lead at one point. But this time it would be the Lady Panthers who battled back. Getting a big quarter from LaReesha Cawthorn, Russellville cut the lead to seven at 42-35 heading into th final eight minutes.
The Russellville rally continued into the fourth quarter. Brinley Mason, who had been shutout through three quarters, came up with nine points in the fourth, as the Lady Panthers came all the way back to tie the game.
The game was tied at 56-56 when Abby Williams rebounded and scored off a miss from Jamaya Key to make it 58-56 with 20 seconds left in the game.
LaReesha Cawthorn was fouled with 10.9 seconds left and knocked down both free throws to tie it up at 58-58.
The Lady Rebels pushed the ball up the court, but Russellville knocked the ball out of bounds with 5.8 seconds left. Todd Central inbounded the ball to Alexis Taylor, who drove to the basket and drew the foul that set up the game-winning free throws.
Speaking of free throws, they were a huge factor in the game. The Lady Rebels were 19 of 30 from the line, while Russellville was only 11 of 29.
Alexis Taylor was one of four Lady Rebels in double-figures with 18 points. Abby Williams and Jamaia Burks had 14 points each.
Russellville’s Amiyah Collier led all scorers with 25 points. LaReesha Cawthorn added 17 for the Lady Panthers.
Todd Central improves to 12-10 with the win, while Russellville falls to 11-12.
TCCHS – 09 11 22 18 — 60
RHS – 15 05 15 23 — 58
Todd County Central – Taylor 18, Williams 14, Burks 14, Jamaya Kay 11, Collins 2, Shemwell 1
Russellville – Collier 25, Cawthorn 17, Mason 9, Morris 6, Long 1
