Lady Pioneers wrap up home season in style
Senior Night is always an emotional game, but the Lady Pioneers’ 2004 version of the event included a little drama in the mix.
Visiting DeKalb County bounced back from a double-digit deficit Saturday to cut the Warren County’s lead to a slim five points, but the Lady Pioneers stopped the rally cold, and wrapped up their home season with an impressive 60-40 victory.
Leading by as many as 16 points in the third period, Warren County saw that advantage dwindle as the Lady Tigers closed the quarter with a 12-1 run. DeKalb’s Christen Hale, who led her club with 12 points, scored in the final minute of the period to cut the WCHS lead to 39-34 heading into the game’s final stanza.
But the Lady Pioneers, who were recognizing seniors Leanne Pelham, Tia Williams and Sallie Slatton, weren’t going to have their final home party ruined.
Williams scored to open the fourth period, sparking an 11-2 run which included back-to-back Leah Cunningham 3-pointers. Coach Ann Eades’ squad turned up its defense, as well, forcing turnovers on five straight Lady Tiger possessions.
Hale and Mia Jeffries scored four unanswered points to cut Warren County’s lead to 50-40 with 3:06 to play, but the Lady Pioneers slammed the door, forcing four more turnovers and scoring the game’s final 10 points to seal the victory.
It might have been a night for the seniors, but Cunningham — a junior — did everything she could to ensure it was a successful one. Cunningham led all scorers with 16 points, including four 3-pointers, in the win.
Leanne and Whitney Pelham each had nine points, while Williams posted eight. Nikki Griffith added five, McKenna Rhea had four, Slatton and Amanda Locke had three each, Vanessa Cornelius had two and Heather Frazier posted one point.
Hale’s 12 led DeKalb County, while Courtney Davis had nine and Jeffries finished with eight.
The Lady Pioneers concluded their 2003-04 regular season Tuesday night at Coffee County. The District 7-AAA Tournament begins Monday night in White County.