Kenley Patton swipes away the ball and comes up with a steal for the Eaglettes. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
SHELBYVILLE — Three quarters was all the Golden Eaglettes needed to take down visiting Columbia on Senior Night.
After building a slim lead through the first quarter, the Eaglettes dominated the Lionettes on a 40-8 run through the middl quarters to claim the 52-24 win on Thursday night.
Simply put, the Eaglette defense was nothing short of a menace for the Lionettes.
Shelbyville imposed its will on Columbia in the back court and got a huge boost from Janiya Leslie.
Leslie knocked down a pair of 3’s in the second and scored nine of the team’s 17 points.
Kaci Crawford scored the lone field goal for the Lionettes and by halftime, the Shelbyville lead grew to 29-12.
The dagger came in the third period when Shelbyville posted 23 point
Janiya Leslie is fouled as she goes up for a basket against Columbia. She posted a game-high 22 points. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
s and blew the game wide open.
Leslie tacked on eight more points, while Lanaya Young scored six points for the home team.
By the end of the third, Shelbyville’s lead grew to 52-17.
With a running clock and the full complement of reserves working onto the floor, Shelbyville didn’t score in the fourth frame and Columbia rallied for seven.
Leslie was the only player for either team to hit double figures, finishing with 22 points, including three treys.
The only area of Thursday night’s game that Shelbyville struggled in was a the line.
As a team, the Eaglettes made good on just 3-of-11 attempts.
Columbia 9 3 5 7 — 24
Shelbyville 12 17 23 0 — 52
Columbia: Natasia Barner 8, Tristian Shaw 6, Kaci Crawford 6, Kenzie Burkeen 3, Brooklyn Duke.
Shelbyville: Janiya Leslie 22, Jada Berry 6, Lanaya Young 8, Yasmine McFarland 6, Morgan Pridmore 6, Jaz Western 2, Nijah Gray 2.
3-Point goals: Shelbyville (5): Leslie 3, Young, Pridmore.
Halftime score: Shelbyville 29, Columbia 12.
