By: Adam Freeman
The Tucker County Lady Mt. Lions kicked off regular-season play on December 3 in a varsity-only matchup with the AAA Elkins Lady Tigers in Elkins. The bout started off with slow offense from both squads, as Tucker held a narrow 6–4 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Both teams began to find their rhythm in the second period, with Elkins dropping in 10 points and Tucker knocking down 12 to take an 18–14 lead into the break.
TC pulled away in the third quarter, powered by their pressure defense, which held the Lady Tigers to just 8 points. The Lady Mt. Lions took the lid off the basket, scoring 14 of their own. Holding a 32–22 advantage entering the fourth, Tucker County had to withstand a late push from Elkins, who trimmed the game to a one-possession margin multiple times down the stretch. The Lady Mt. Lions made key shots when it mattered and held on to secure the season-opening win, 44–40.
Tucker County was led on the night by senior Makenna Evans, who filled several columns of the stat sheet. M.Evans 16 Pts, 5 Reb, 5 Ast, FT 5-7; A.Moats 12 Pts, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, FT 1-2; C.Shaffer 6 Pts, 5 Reb, FT 2-4; W. Carroll 6 Pts, 3 Reb, 4 Stl, FT 0-4; I.Kitzmiller 4 Pts, 4 Stl, FT 0-2. 3-point field goals (2-16): Evans (1) Moats (1)
The Lady Mt. Lions will return to the hardwood on Thursday, December 11, for their home opener as they host the visiting Lady Bulldogs of Tygarts Valley High School.
