The Hopkinsville Lady Tigers basketball team is entering their final season ever, and they are preparing for the regular season but playing some scrimmages. They faced off against Russellville, but they fell 51-33, as they met the Lady Panthers on a day they were hot.
The first quarter started off a bit slow, as both teams were tied at five points apiece until just over four minutes to go when Hopkinsville’s Serenity Ewing converted an and-one to give the Lady Tigers the lead. But a few costly turnovers gave Russellville the lead, and that lead grew until it was 20-9 at the end of the first.
Neither team was able to get anything going towards the start of the second quarter, but the Lady Panthers were able to extend their leda to 26-12 and force a timeout with four minutes left. After that, only eight total points were scored the rest of the quarter, as many foul calls slowed the period down. Once the halftime buzzer sounded, Russellville took a 30-16 lead into the locker room.
The turnover problems continued for the Lady Tigers in the third quarter, and they did not have a point until just under two minutes left when Ewing was able to make two free throws. Hopkinsville was able to string together a few baskets to combat the Lady Panthers’ scoring, and Laelah Watkins was able to put in a three at the buzzer to make it 42-22 going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was when the Lady Tigers’ offense started to come alive. Only problem was that the Lady Panthers did the same thing. Both teams traded baskets and neither was able to gain an edge. As a result, Russellville was able to hold their lead and win the game 51-33.
Turnovers were the big problem for the Lady Tigers, as they had 28 as a team over the course of the game. But that does not mean they were without their solid performers, as Ewing had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Emery Wilson and Watkins also each had five points apiece.
The Lady Tigers will begin their final regular season against Warren Central on the road on Monday, December 1. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
