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After suffering a tough 30-point loss to Woodland last weekend, the Lady Knights looked to get back in the win column against another region foe, as they took on the Lady Wildcats from Locust Grove High School.

Locust Grove jumped out to an early lead, making nearly every shot they took from the floor. The Knights were in a 2-3 zone defensively, but they had no defense for the sharp shooting of the Lady Wildcats. Tom make matters worse, Locust Grove seemingly got every loose ball and every rebound. However, the Lady Knights outscored the Lady Cats in every quarter except the first, as they earned their second region victory in the 42-39 win.

“We did not play our best ball out there tonight, that’s for sure,” said Lady Knights head coach Bart Phillips. “They made a lot of shots in the first quarter, but the girls did not get rattled. We fought back and tied up the game in the third quarter, and we were able to hold them off late in the fourth quarter. I think the most positive thing about this victory is the fact that when the game got close with just seconds remaining, we kept our composure. That’s a sign of a team that is getting better.”

At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Knights trailed 18-7. In the second quarter, the Lady Knights outscored Locust Grove 11-6, getting better ball movement, while getting to the basket more regularly. The Lady Knights were also getting good looks inside with Keondra Ausbrooks. The junior finished with a team high 12 points and eight rebounds. As the two teams headed into the locker room, the Lady Knights trailed the Lady Cats 24-18.

In the third quarter, the Lady Knights turned up their intensity defensively with a half court trap. Demeshia Russell and Kiashona Carter caused havoc for the Lady Cats, and the Lady Knights were able to get out in transition, making some easy lay-ups. The Lady Knights fought their way back to take a 30-29 lead at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Knights jumped out on a 6-0 run, thanks in part to senior Brittney Acey. Brittney finished the game with 10 points, including making some clutch free throws late in the game. With a 36-30 lead, Locust Grove fought their way back by making a some three-pointers, but with four points from Ausbrooks and a key steal by Russell, the Lady Knights were able to hold on for the 42-39 victory.

The Lady Knights will travel to Taylor County tomorrow, as they take on the No. 6 ranked Lady Vikings in AA.