Lady Lions Finish First Half Unbeaten

LOVELADY – The Lovelady Lady Lions would take a huge 43-13 halftime lead on the Grapeland Sandiettes, and cruise down the stretch for a 57-38 victory. Lyndsey LaRue would lead the Lady Lions with a game-high 26 points, as Lovelady would wrap up the first half of district play with a 4-0 record, and riding an impressive six game winning streak.

For the Sandiettes, it would be their second straight in district play, dropping the young ladies to 2-2 in district play and sole possession of third place. The consecutive losses come on the heels of back-to-back wins to open district play for the Sandiettes.

Lovelady would come out red hot offensively, putting together one of their best performances in over a month. LaRue led the way, but Madison Robinson, Madyson Gunnels, and Laura Driskell would also get into the action early and often. Defensively the Lady Lions were just as impressive, as the Sandiettes were unable to mount any charge in the first half.

On the other side the Sandiettes would stumble out of the gate, but would right the ship in the second half. Grapeland would trail 43-13 at the half, but went on to outscore Lovelady 25-14 in the second half to close the gap. Freshman post Simone Davis would play a huge role in that comeback along with Jalla Johnson and Shaterrika Campbell.

The Lady Lions traveled to take on the Latexo Lady Tigers (1-3) to kick off the second half of district play on Tuesday night. Lovelady dismantled the Lady Tigers 72-27 in their first meeting of district play.

The Lady Lions will return home on Friday, January 27 when they welcome the #18 Slocum Lady Mustangs to town. In their first highly anticipated matchup of district play the Lady Lions picked up a 50-34 win in Slocum. The Lady Lions will turn around and host the Neches Lady Tigers on Tuesday, January 31. Lovelady shocked the Lady Tigers 54-50 in overtime back in early December when the Lady Tigers were ranked #1 in class 1A-DII.

The Sandiettes were off on Tuesday, but will return to action on Friday, January 27 when they travel to face the Latexo Lady Tigers. Grapeland cruised to an 86-32 win in their district opener over the Lady Tigers.

Grapeland will return home on Tuesday, January 31 when they host the Alto Lady ‘Jackets. The Sandiettes dismantled the Lady ‘Jackets in their first meeting, and will look to complete another season sweep over the Lady ‘Jackets.

For pictures and a complete recap of the Lady Lions game against Latexo, as well as reports on other area basketball news, check back in The Messenger. Also follow The Messenger on Facebook and check out our website at www.messenger-news.com. Chris Boothe can be reached at cboothe@messenger-news.com.