The Russeville Lady Panthers used dominant rebounding and defensive pressure to pull off a second half rally against the Dawson Springs Lady Panthers Saturday afternoon in a quarterfinal round game of the Food Bank Holiday Classic in Russellville. After trailing by five at the half, Russellville came storming back over the final two quarters to pick up the 68-58 win.
Dawson Springs opened the game on fire from the outside. The Lady Panthers knocked down five three pointers in the opening quarter to jump out to a 25-18 lead. Russellville’s defense began to take control of the game in the second quarter, but their offense could not make much headway, as Dawson Springs continued to hold a 37-32 lead at the half.
In the second half, shots quit falling for Dawson Springs, while Russellville’s size inside began to be a big factor in the contest. Sophomore Anastasia Dowlen was a big influence both on the boards and on the scoreboard, as Russellville pulled into the lead. Dawson Springs was still only down 48-47 when the 3rd quarter came to an end.
Dawson’s offense continued to struggle in the 4th quarter, and Russellville was able to use their size and quickness to extend their lead, eventually pulling out to the final ten point margin.
Brooklyn Clark led Dawson Springs with 25 points, including six made three-pointers. Abby Ward added 14 points. Denisha Randolph finished with 11 for the Lady Panthers.
Russellville’s Anastasia Dowlen led all scorers with 27 points. She also had 20 rebounds in the contest. Amiyah Collier added 14, while Jordin Morris finished with 13.
