BUENA VISTA —
What began as an extremely close game in Buena Vista on Friday night ended as a comfortable 10 point victory for the Americus-Sumter Lady Panthers as they took down the Lady Eagles of Marion County 51-41. Entering the halftime break with only a 20-18 lead over the Lady Eagles, The Lady Panthers came out on fire and used a huge third period to put the game out of reach on their way to the non-region victory.
The Lady Panthers and Lady Eagles each played tremendous defense in the first half while trading shots to give Americus-Sumter a narrow 20-18 lead going into the halftime break. Americus-Sumter entered the locker room visibly upset with their performance, and when they came out in the third period they began to put the game out of the reach of the Lady Eagles.
The Lady Panthers matched their first half points total with 20 in the third period, while holding Marion County to only 10 points to take a commanding 40-28 lead into the final quarter. In a mostly defensive fourth period, the Lady Panthers were able to hold off the Marion County charge by only giving up 13 points while scoring 11 to take the 10 point victory 51-41.
In a tale of two halves, Kayla Bowens led the Lady Panthers offensive attack with 15 points and five assists, while also contributing seven steals on defense. De’Kayla Blackshear was second on the team in scoring with nine points, and Diamond Denmark was third with six points, while also adding seven rebounds under the net. A’Dasjah Mercer added a team-leading 11 rebounds on the night to help lead the Lady Panthers to victory.
The Lady Eagles were led in scoring again by Aisha Ansley with 12 points, followed by Jada Gardner, Ashley Crumbley, and Chelsy Haynes with nine points apiece.
Marion County will be back in action on Wednesday, December 18 as they participate in the Westside Macon Tournament, with start times yet to be announced. The Lady Panthers of Americus-Sumter will have a long break before participating in the Turner County Tournament, beginning on December 27.
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Kayla Bowens (1) scored 15 points and had seven steals in the Lady Panthers 51-41 win over Marion County on Friday. Scott Phillips
Bowens leads Lady Panthers past Marion County 51-41
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