A second-half rally by the Lady Panthers on Tuesday night left the Lady Pioneers searching for an answer.
Stone Memorial outscored Warren County 38-26 in the last two quarters, which was enough to cancel out a Lady Pioneer 23-18 halftime lead as Stone took home a 56-44 win.
“I thought we played well and played as a team,” said Warren County Lady Pioneer head coach Shea Panter. “In the second half they got hot from outside and we did not have an answer. We tried to foul to stop the clock early. They missed some free throws down the stretch, but we couldn’t score quick enough to make up the difference.”
Stone went 15-of-24 for 63 percent from the charity stripe, providing plenty of opportunities as Warren County went to the full-court press and then the intentional foul phase – where two starters fouled out – trying to regain the rock. The Lady Pioneers hit the foul line six times and went 2-of-6 for 33 percent.
Warren County was fighting an uphill battle, despite the early lead, as Stone Memorial picked them apart from outside the arc, converting 10 treys for 30 points, all in the second half. The Lady Panthers also got the defensive boards when it counted, which they converted more often than not.
The Lady Pioneers distributed the ball well, with eight players posting points led by Megan Patch who hit for three treys for 9 points, followed closely by Callie Cathcart, Bri Young and Tyra Wright, who all scored 8 points apiece.
Rae Anna Hodges scored 7 points, Elsa Eckenrod 6, Anna Bain 2 and Emily Mikkola 1 point.
Stone Memorial’s leading scorer was Emma Capps, who scored 20 points, including three treys and hitting 6-of-7 from the line.
“I don’t care whether we face White, Stone, or Rhea in the first round of the tournament. Our time is now,” Panter said. “We are right where we need to be to surprise some people and win a big game. I like our chances with this momentum on our side.”
Although school is canceled Friday, the game will go on Friday evening as the Lady Pioneers celebrate senior night by playing host to DeKalb County. Game time is 6 p.m.