Over the past few seasons, the Yazoo County Lady Panthers have seized control of the rivalry with the lady Indians of Yazoo City. However, early on in the latest installment of the series, it appeared as though the Lady Indians were determined to reverse the trend.
After battling blow for blow in the first half, the Lady Panthers stepped on the gas after halftime and cruised to a 55-43 victory in front of a packed house at Yazoo City High’s Archie Carlyle gymnasium.
The Lady Panthers opened the game with 12-8 first quarter but watched as the Lady Indians outscored them 11-7 in the second period to tie the game at 19 at the intermission.
When Yazoo County returned to floor in the second half, they wasted little time establishing their dominance over the Lady Indians. The Lady Panthers opened the quarter on a 7-2 run to pull ahead 28-21 at the 6:28 mark of the period. Seniors Chloe Edwards and Jordan Scott both knocked down a pair of three pointers later in the quarter, sparking another YCHS run, leading to a 21-8 third quarter advantage and a 40-27 lead with one quarter left to play.
The teams traded baskets in the early part of the fourth quarter before the Lady Panthers went on a final rally to seal the win. Edwards led the way for the Lady Panthers with 15 points followed in double figures by Kennedi Irvine with 13. Scott chipped in with nine, Shakeria Robinson had eight, Shamya Douglas and Akeriuanna Frierson each scored four, and Emily Crozier and Alex Carter had one each.
Yazoo City senior guard La’Nisha Richardson led all scorers with a game-high 16 points and Ebonee Brown added 10. Other Lady Indian scorers were Doukeria Martin with six, Rakayla Rankin with four, Antaniyah Brown, Jasmine Sims and Nyla Henderson with two points apiece and Ron’nisha Richardson with one.
Yazoo City plays their final game before getting out for the holidays at Provine this Friday while Yazoo County is gearing up for a pair of Christmas holiday tournaments.
