Lenoir City Middle School Lady Panthers win championship!

CHAMPIONS!

They had met three times already, twice in the regular season and a third time for the District 4 title. Could they take the section title facing the Midway Lady Green Waves a fourth time? Their second meeting on Dec. 15 was the closest, with a 37-32 victory. The district title game was a 60-23 blowout on Feb.2. “They’ll be coming after us,” a nervous Lenoir City Middle School girls coach Rachel Gray said.

The Lady Panthers knew they were in a fight from the opening whistle. At the end of one the score was tied 12-12. The Lady Waves rallied for a 16-13 edge at 4:35 to go in the second period. The Lady Panthers were undaunted and came back with a seven-point run to go in front 20-16. At the half Lenoir City had pushed out to a 25-21 lead.

In the third, strong defense and their best scoring quarter took some of the anxiety away. Maegan Hudson ripped a three at 1:28 and Jaila Arnwine matched it with one of her own with 45 seconds on the clock. With Amberlee Zeller hitting a pair of baskets in the paint, Lenoir City increased the margin to 41-29.

Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012

Jaila Arnwine goes up for a shot 

with Midway defenders in her face.

Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012

Maegan Hudson rips a 3-point shot 

in the first quarter Saturday. 
Hudson was named tournament MVP.

Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012
Amberlee Zeller drives the lane to put up 
a shot over Lady Wave defenders.

Good defense in the fourth held Midway to only five points, while the Lady Panthers continued to pour in points. Jermeria Dortch had the hot hand down the stretch, with six of her 11 points in the final frame. Ashlynn Zeller banged in a field goal and a free throw for three and the Lady Panthers coasted to the final buzzer with a victory and the sectional title in hand. The score at the final horn was 55-34 in favor of the Lady Panthers.

Hudson had the game-high scoring total of 23 points. She was good from long-range with four baskets. Dortch scored 11 and Arnwine netted 10, including the three in the third. Ashlynn Zeller hit a long-range basket early plus her fourth quarter points for a total of six. Amberlee Zeller added a fourth quarter free throw to her pair of baskets in the third for a combined five points.

Jubilation reigned as Lenoir City Middle School fans stormed the court to congratulate the Lady Panthers on winning the championship. Post-game ceremonies included the naming of all five Lady Panthers’ starters to the all-tournament team, with Hudson receiving the award as tournament Most Valuable Player.

Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012
Lady Panthers win 55-34 over Midway to take section title!

Photo by Ambler Brown © 2012

From left, Ashlynn Zeller, Jaila Arnwine, Amberlee Zeller, Jermeria Dortch and Maegan Hudson started and were each named to the All-Tournament team. Hudson was named tournament Most Valuable Player.

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