Beating the Lady Pioneers is no easy chore anywhere, but it’s been nearly impossible to do at Charlie Dalton Gym. Warren County continued its dominance at home Friday, downing Franklin County 50-35 in an important District 6-4A matchup.

Kyra Perkins continued her push toward all-district honors with 13 points and a slew of rebounds and steals, while the Lady Pioneer defense was once again dominant on its home floor. The Lady Pioneers are now 6-1 at the Dalt, including winning all four of its home games in January and allowing just 31.2 points per game.

Fans are flocking to see the Lady Pioneers play – and for good reason. Warren County continues to show it is a force on the court, improving to 17-7 with its 10th win in the last 12 games.

All-out effort, splendid shooting and stifling defense keep the crowd fired up when Warren County takes the court. There were countless examples of the Lady Pioneer effort Friday, including a rare three-point play that put them up by double figures for good in the second quarter.

Sable Winfree started it with a free throw, but missed her second shot from the charity stripe. Mia Hobbs worked through the bodies in the paint though, grabbing the board while sandwiched between defenders. As Hobbs fell to the floor, she was able to feed Perkins for an easy layup, making it 23-11.

A straightaway triple from Hobbs and two free throws from Smartt pushed the advantage to 28-11 at the half.

The break didn't slow the Lady Pioneers down.

Right after the half,  Perkins hit two free throws, got a steal off full-court pressure and fed Hobbs for a triple in front of the student section as Warren County went up 19. Brienne Kelsey would give the Lady Pioneers their biggest lead, 40-19, with a triple midway through the third quarter - one of two the senior hit off the bench against the Rebelettes.

Warren County’s offense didn’t pile up the points down the stretch, but the home team didn’t need much. Franklin County could never find a way to consistently score against the Lady Pioneers’ defense late, while Perkins capped the district win with a pair of tough buckets in transition in the fourth. 

Warren County is now 3-1 in District 6-4A games and ensure it finishes no worse than second in the season with a win at Shelbyville Tuesday. Before the Lady Pioneers face their district foes, they will take on Sparta at home Monday night. Both games will tip at 6 p.m.

Lady Pioneer scoring – Kyra Perkins 13, Mia Hobbs 9, Brienne Kelsey 8, Shelby Smartt 7, Savannah Winfree 6, Lex Verge 4, Sable Winfree 3