STAFF REPORT
FRANKLIN — Shelbyville Central tipped off the season on the road on Tuesday night, but wasn’t able to slow down Franklin Road Academy’s Ella Johnson in a 55-44 loss.
The Eaglettes played well in spurts and leaned on the balanced, one-two punch of Lanaya Young and Morgan Pridemore, who combined for 28 points to lead the Eaglettes.
But Johnson’s sharp-shooting night from the perimeter was too much for the Eaglettes to contain.
She knocked down six treys and led all scorers with 26 points, including three in the fourth quarter.
She also went a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe in the final frame.
Shelbyville trailed just 14-12 after the first period, but saw FRA grow its lead to six by halftime.
The Eaglettes matched FRA’s nine-point third-quarter production, but just couldn’t get over the hump.
FRA was also effective at the line throughout the game, cashing in on 4-of-9 tries, while Shelbyville made good on 9-of-17 attempts.
The Eaglettes will host their home opener on Saturday afternoon against Glencliff at 2:30 p.m. in Rick Insell Gymnasium.
Shelbyville Central 12 10 9 13 — 44
Franklin Road Academy 14 14 9 18 — 55
Shelbyville Central: Lanaya Young 14, Morgan Pridemore 14, Jaz Western 5, Yasmine McFarland 5, Kenley Patton 2, Janiya Leslie 2, Jada Berry 2.
Franklin Road Academy: Ella Johnson 26, Ava Zenner 12, Alyssa Davis 8, Ella Gadsey 5, Millie Pardue 2, Stella Vlahos 2.
3-Point goals: Franklin Road Academy (8): Johnson 6, Zenner, Gadsey; Shelbyville Central (1): Western.
Halftime score: Franklin Road Academy 28, Shelbyville Central 22.
