The Houston High School girls basketball team defeated Cabool Monday (Feb. 17) night in Tiger Fieldhouse.
In a Texas County matchup, the visiting Lady Bulldogs never stood a chance, falling behind 24-8 after the first quarter of play and 41-22 by halftime. When the final buzzer sounded, the Lady Tigers were 77-38 winners.
“We have been playing some good basketball,” said HHS head coach Micah Lee. “We’re working as a team both offensively and defensively. I’m very proud.”
Four Houston players scored in double digits, including: senior guard Lacey Cavaness (26), junior forward Gracyn McNiell (17), sophomore forward Summer Seago (13) and senior forward Sophia Crites (10).
For Cabool, sophomore Jordanna Atkins scored 16 points and sophomore Chloe Overby added 15.
“It’s great to see us really coming together,” said Lee. “We’ve got three more games coming up, and then districts, so we really want to keep in the direction we’re going.”
From the free-throw line, Houston went 16-for-25 while Cabool shot 14-for-23.
As of Tuesday morning, Houston (8-14; 2-3 SCA) will travel to Ava on Thursday (Feb. 20), play Plato at home on Friday (Feb. 21) and travel to Willow Springs on Saturday (Feb. 22). Winter weather could change this schedule. On Tuesday (Feb. 25), the girls will face Willow Springs in the opening round of the Class 3 District 10 tournament.
GIRLS DEFEAT SOUTH IRON AT SHOOTOUT
The Lady Tigers defeated the South Iron Lady Panthers 66-57 on Saturday (Feb. 15) at the Bunker Shootout.
Cavaness – the Lady Tigers leading scorer – poured in 17 first-half points to give Houston a 37-28 lead at the break.
In the second half, Houston shot 4-for-5 from the free-throw line and maintained its lead.
“Lacey has really changed her intensity on both ends of the floor and it’s really added to the momentum,” said Lee.
Cavaness finished the game with 28 points, including two 3-pointers. McNiell added 13 points and Crites contributed 9.
For South Iron, playing with only five girls, junior Payton German scored 19 points, including three 3-pointers and junior Allee Martin scored 14.
“Our free throws have been playing a huge part in our success,” said Lee. “We have been doing an excellent job at the line.”
Houston shot 10-for-12 from the free-throw line. South Iron shot 12-for-24.