Only two more wins stand between the WCMS Lady Pioneers and a berth in the TMSAA state tournament. Warren County took a big step toward the championship Wednesday, rocking Rockvale 42-19 in the AAA Sectional quarterfinal to keep its season alive.

The Lady Pioneers continued their spread-out scoring and all-out defense against Rockvale, getting eight points eights from Brynlee Chisam, Addison Steakley and Aubrey Oleksik to lead the way. Warren County’s depth was also on display, with eight Lady Pioneers getting on the board and all 11 playing key parts in a blowout win.

“The girls played really well. We got to keep it up,” said coach Mendy Stotts, who has guided the Lady Pioneers to a 22-win season.

Success at the charity stripe helped the Lady Pioneers build a big lead. Warren County sank seven early free throws, building a 15-2 advantage in the first quarter. Cortlyn Porter’s blanketing defense shadowing Rockvale star Jade Watson helped the Lady Pioneers jump out to a big lead.

Chisam and Abigail Netherton nailed 3-pointers to make it 24-10 by halftime, while Steakley got to the basket for two buckets in the third as Warren County continued to grow its lead. Netherton added another triple in the fourth while Ella Kesey and Brooke Kesey each sank two freebies late to finish the job.

Warren County will face a famillar foe Friday with a bid to the sectional finals on the line. The Lady Pioneers will take on Franklin North, the squad Warren County beat in both the CTC and Area 7 tournaments to get to the finals in the last three weeks.

With a win Friday, Warren County would play for the title Saturday at Stewarts Creek. Tip-off for Friday’s matchup is set for 7 p.m., while Saturday’s championship game is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Lady Pioneer scoring – Chisam 8, Steakley 8, Oleksik 8, Netherton 6, Brooke Kesey 4, Porter 3, Maci McBride 3, Ella Kesey 2