NP ladies named district runner up

By Ike House
In the District 2-3A ladies basketball tournament, the North Panola Lady Cougars defeated Charleston in the semi-finals but fell to Independence in the championship to be district runner up.
The district tournament was packed with a lot of action in 2-3A this week. The Lady Cougars had a bye game on Tuesday and did not play until Thursday night against a tough Charleston team.
The game was a close one as the Lady Cougars came out on top 52-49. The game was not always in the hands in the Lady Cougars as they were neck-and-neck with the Tigers most of the night.
Going into the half the Lady Cougars were off in their game as compared to their play all season. They were down at the half 33-24.
The Lady Cougars went into the fourth quarter and fought their way back to the lead. They eventually gained the lead with two minutes on the clock and had to sink free throws to keep it.
The Lady Cougars held on to the win against Charleston to advance to the championship game.
Leading the Lady Cougars was Kenya Edwards with 17 points. Other scorers were QuiTonya Webster and Jasmine Mays with 15 points each; Leah Shorty with four and Shan Clark with one point.
In the championship game the Lady Cougars faced Independence, the team they had not gotten a win against all season, but they looked to change things. However, the number one seeded Lady Wildcats won 57-40 and North Panola was runner-up.
The Lady Cougars did not have a big game with only 14 first half points. Going into the fourth quarter the Lady Cougars had a chance to come back but could not keep on pace and Independence rallied, taking the win.
Leading the Lady Cougars was Edwards with 15 points. Other scorers were Webster with 11; Shorty with five and Jasmine Mays, Paige Ward and Monique Burnette with two points each.
All-District and All-Tournament awards were given out. Making the All-District team were Jasmine Mays, Kenya Edwards and QuiTonya Webster. Leah Shorty was named as a honorable mention. Edwards, Mays and Webster also made the All-Tournament team. Edwards was named the tournament Offensive MVP.
The Lady Cougars played against Mooreville at home last night and the winner advances to the second round on Friday.