By Donna Taylor

The North Panola Lady Cougars (4-14 overall, 0-2 district) battled the Senatobia Lady Warriors at home Tuesday night before a sellout crowd. Senatobia came out in attack mode early in the game and never lost the lead.

With 1:12 left in the first quarter, Senatobia led 11-8. Audra Taylor sinked a soft inside jumper to bring the Lady Cougars within three, 11-8, with 13.4 seconds on the clock.

They never got any closer.

“I have five sophomore starters,” said coach Chris Yancy of his young team. “The team is small in stature and experience but play with a lot of heart. I am pleased at what we are doing. We are young in the girl’s department. I lost eight seniors.”

Catonya Newsom was a big contributor, but missed opportunities driving the base line.

Senatobia’s defense played a big role in that regard. They surrounded North Panola on every play and forced several turnovers. Former North Panola player Portia Tucker, now a Lady Warrior, was limping on the court but still managed to score 10 points.

At the half Senatobia led 33-17.

It was all downhill after halftime for the Lady Cougars. Senatobia continued to score aggressively, gaining three-pointer after three-pointer to put the lead squarely out of reach.

Even with their losing effort, some Lady Cougar team members managed to score in double figures. Audra Taylor scored 13 points, had three assists and five steals. Newsom scored 10 points, four assists, had four total rebounds and one steal.

The only junior on the team Shaveeta Gordon had one point, one assist and six total rebounds. Brittany Patton scored seven points and pulled down three rebounds.

Jenishia Jackson scored eight points, had one assist and 11 total rebounds. LaToya Wilbourn had two points, one rebound and one steal.

“They are working hard and they are getting better,” Yancy said.

The Lady Cougars will be in Lewisburg tonight for district play and Byhalia on Tuesday. Games start at 6 p.m.