After seeing a double-digit first-half lead cut down to just four points early in the second half, the Russellville Lady Panthers needed a second-half spark to put away the Christian County Lady Colonels Saturday afternoon. That spark came in the form of an 11-2 run early in the third quarter, which helped to carry the Lady Panthers to a 62-51 win over the Lady Colonels in the Cocoa Collier Classic.
After trailing by as many as 13 points in the opening half, Christian County scored the first basket of the third quarter to cut the lead to just four points at 28-24. But Russellville then ratcheted up the defense and the Lady Colonels struggled to find the basket over the next few minutes. That was enough time for the Lady Panthers to use the 11-2 to regain control of the game at 39-26. Christian County could get no closer than nine points the rest of the way.
Early on it looked as if the second half run might not be needed. Russellville scored the first seven points of the game on their way to a 20-12 first-quarter lead. Amiyah Collier scored seven of the first ten points for Russellville to get the Lady Panthers off and rolling.
While Christian County’s defense did a better job on the Lady Panthers in the second quarter, turnovers and problems on the glass kept the Lady Colonels from chewing up the lead. The half came to an end with Russellville still up 28-22.
After the run early in the quarter, the Lady Panthers would lead by as many as 15 points in the third, including a 49-34 margin at the quarter’s end.
Behind the play of 7th grader Anaysia Bagwell, and 8th grader NaVaeh Day, the Lady Colonels would get as close as nine points on three occasions in the final four minutes of the game but could not push on through as the Lady Panthers held on for the win.
Bagwell led Christian County with 15 points, while Day added 12. Reni Shemwell, who spent much of the day in foul trouble, finished with 10 points, eight of them coming in the second half.
Amiyah Collier led all scorers with 16 points for the Lady Panthers. Anastasia Dowlen, who was a force on the glass all afternoon, added 15 points to her day’s work.
Christian County, who had a game next week with Hopkins County Central canceled due to COVID protocols, finishes the regular season at 5-9. Saturday’s loss was their 7th in a row.
CCHS — 12 10 12 17 – 51
RHS — 20 8 21 13 – 62
Christian County (5-9) – Bagwell 15, Day 12, Shemwell 10, Thomas 8, Catlett-Watkins 2, Banks 2, Harris 2
Russellville (9-8) – Collier 16, Dowlen 15, Cawthorne 14, Whitescarver 12, Keys 3, Mason 2
