The Yazoo County Lady Panthers used a barrage of three-pointers to cruise to a 57-45 victory over the Hatley Lady Tigers Monday night in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs.
"We shot the ball well tonight and we played hard," said YCHS head coach Christine Demus. "The girls know they have to come out and play with effort and intensity every night because now it's win or go home."
The Lady Panthers did their best to ensure they were not the ones going home early Monday night, storming out of the gates with an 18-8 first quarter. Destiny Epps connected on two three-pointers from long range to fuel the first quarter charge.
After posting a 10-9 second quarter, Yazoo County took a 28-17 lead into the halftime break.
The Lady Panthers continued to pour it on in the second half, outscoring Hatley 19-12. The visitors outscored Yazoo County 16-10 in the final frame, but the game's outcome was already decided.
Jordan Scott led the way for the Lady Panthers, notching a double-double in the win. She scored a game-high 19 points while grabbing 12 rebounds.
"Jordan dominated tonight," said Demus. "They didn't have an answer for her."
Scott was followed in double figures by Akierrana Frierson with 14 and Epps with 10.
Other Lady Panther scorers were Chloe Edwards with five, Shamiya Douglas with three and Keyanna Norwood, Kennedy Irvine and Shakeria Robinson each with two.
Hatley, whose season came to an end with the loss, was led by Taylor Andrews with 12 and Emilee Slade with 10 points.
The Lady Panthers, now 20-7 overall, will face a tough Belmont squad this Friday night.
"They are a fundamental and well-coached team. We're going to have to execute in all phases of the game against them," said Demus. "I like the way we are playing right now, especially on the defensive end. Our defensive intensity is going to determine the outcome of this game."
