Lady Wilcats Dominate Lady Longhorns, 63-56 Win

Kell's Lady Longhorns kept the game close and exciting, down only 31-26 at the half and 46-39 going into the fourth. A Wheeler full-court press in the first and third periods hampered the Longhorns' ability to get the ball down court and under the basket.

On a team sparked by different players on different nights, Naomi Stuger led Kell in scoring with 17 points: eight field goals and a free throw. Emily Dixon had the hot hand for the Lady Longhorns in the fourth period as they tried to battle back, sinking two of three 3-pointers and a field goal. She also had a 3-point basket in each of the first two periods.

Taylor Scarpantonio helped Kell take the lead in the first quarter with 7 points and hit two of three field goals in the fourth as the Lady Longhorns tried to retake the lead. Scarpantonio was aggressive throughout the game, hustling for rebounds and putting up shots near the basket.

Aysia Grimsley kept Wheeler in the game early, hitting two 3-pointers and two free throws in the first period. In the second period, she missed only a field goal and free throw, sinking a 3-pointer and five free throws.

The Lady Longhorns held Grimsley to only a field goal in the third period, the only shot she took, but Grimsley came back in the fourth to make every basket: two field goals and four free throws. Her layup in the fourth quarter put Wheeler up 56-53, and she followed with the four extra points to help put the game away as the Lady Longhorns had trouble getting shots through the hoop in the final minutes.

Grimsley was 11-for-12 at the free throw line and led the Lady Wildcats with 26 points as they improved their record to 5-6. Her free throws were instrumental in Wheeler's victory.

Tashayla Steede chipped in eight field goals for Wheeler: one in the first period, two in the second and third and three in the fourth, when her team needed the points to hold on for the win.

"We responded very well to a really good team," said Kell coach Craig Hines. "We fought back like we haven't in the past. We didn't quit. This is probably the only time we were in that close a game.

"Regardless of the outcome, we've grown up a lot," said Hines. "From a coaching standpoint, this was a good game and a stepping stone to bigger things like qualifying for the state championships."

Kell's record is now 6-3.

KELL: Naomi Stuger, 17; Emily Dixon, 14; Taylor Scarpantonio, 11; Arnetha Marks, 7; Nikki Eggers, 5; Catlain Fricia, 2.

WHEELER: Aysia Grimsley, 26: Tashayla Steede, 16; Kiana Griffin, 8; DeAndrea Carter, 6; Durriyyah Drummond, 4; Tia Anderson, 3.