MS Lady Panthers defeat Black Knights. Earn championship berth.

With one to go, this time Midway will be at the end.

The game was tougher than most, although the score didn’t reflect it. The Lenoir City Middle School Lady Panthers cruised to a 43-22 win over Chuckey Doak Middle School Friday night in the semi-final sectional tournament matchup.

The score was 13-5 after the first quarter. Maegan Hudson accounted for nine of the Lady Panthers' points. The Zeller twins, Amberlee and Ashlyn netted the other four. Period two brought offensive production from more players as Jaila Arnwine dropped in a three to go along with Ashlynn’s long-range basket and Jermeria Dortch hit a two. Hudson continued her success with three dribble-drive baskets. At the half, Lenoir City was up 27-14. 

   Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012
Maegan Hudson launches a first quarter 3-point shot. 

The wheels came off in the third as Hudson and Amberlee Zeller each got in foul trouble, were forced to sit a while and failed to score. Luckily the Lady Panthers held the Lady Knights to only two points over the eight-minute span so the 34-16 third quarter score was not an issue. Lenoir City cruised down the stretch to earn the victory.

“It wasn’t the game we wanted to play tonight,” Lady Panthers coach Rachel Gray said. “I had a couple of girls that got in foul trouble early.. It frustrated them and showed on the court. It trickled down and affected other players. It changed the momentum of the game.“

In spite of her early foul trouble, Hudson had a game-high 20 points. Ashlyn Zeller’s 11 points were still higher than any of the Black Knight’s scoring. Arnwine put eight on the score sheet, including two baskets from outside. Dortch and Amberlee Zeller scored two each.

The win earned Lenoir City a rematch with Midway for the sectional championship Saturday. The game will tipoff at Pigeon Forge Middle School at 3 p.m.

Midway and the Lady Panthers have met three times already this season, with wins by Lenoir City in every contest, including the 60-23 District 4 championship on Feb. 2.

“We’ve played each other three times,” Gray said. “I’m sure they’ll be coming after us.”

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   Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012
Amberlee Zeller drives the baseline against a defender.

  Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012
Jaila Arnwine works the ball inside.