Lady Lyons versus Caldwell County

The jitters associated with the first game of the season wore away quickly Tuesday night for Lyon County. Facing a team that most considered to have the advantage in the visiting Caldwell County Lady Tigers, the Lady Lyons duo of Rachel Rhodes and Aubrey Riggs teamed up to score more than half of their team’s total points. But their team’s efforts were not enough in a game where every shot was crucial to the team’s winning or losing. The Lady Tigers managed to edge out the Lady Lyons 63-61 by the final buzzer.
Both teams came out strong showing that two of the second Region’s top All ‘A’ teams were ready to play and score as many points as possible. In the scorefest of the B/G varsity double header, both teams kept hitting shots and showcase their talent. Lyon’s offense certainly threw the Lady Tigers for a surprise at the beginning of the first quarter. It was Riggs’ who kept Lyon in the game early on in the first quarter, tying the game at 7-7 to force Caldwell to call the first timeout and readjust their defense accordingly. By the end of the first quarter of play, Caldwell had adjusted to Lyon’s offensive attack and settled their own to take the quarter 19-12.
In the second quarter of play, Lyon relied on their offense from beyond the three point arc to keep them in the game. The Lady Lyons had seven for the game, four of which were credited to Rhodes. Also in the quarter, Caldwell County’s Jayme Jackson achieved her 1000th point of her career with a three pointer, one of her team’s four total that put her team up 26-17 amongst their run. Lyon was able to outscore Caldwell after that 14-9 to lessen the lead to 31-35, the halftime score.
The second half of play was sparked by a 9-5 Lady Lyon run before a quick timeout was called. Rhodes’ 3-pointer with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter finished that run as she tied the game at 40 apiece. Riggs’ give and go offensive approach worked well throughout the game, but was especially evident in this quarter as she was able to slow down Caldwell’s surges to get a definitive lead. At the 2:30 mark, Riggs’ was able to score an easy layup to tie the game at 44-44, but that was resulted in Caldwell gaining momentum overall. Near the end of the quarter, Caldwell’s fast paced offense began to take a toll on Lyon’s defensive efforts as they finished the quarter on an 8-2 spurt. The score midway into the second half was 52-46, in favor of the visitors.
Lyon kept the game close throughout, but with a combination of Caldwell’s quick 10 point lead and going 1 for 4 from the free throw line after being fouled on a layup and a technical foul being called on Caldwell proved too large of a hurdle to overcome. Allison West’s midrange jumper with 3:00 remaining in the contest put Lyon within a possession at 54-57. But despite Lyon’s best efforts of an off balanced, well contested last second shot and Zhanna Trimm’s midrange jumper to put Lyon within two near the end of the contest, Caldwell was able to take home the victory.
Jacquelyn Sindelar had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Tigers. She was followed closely by Jayme Jackson and Emily Meeks, who each had 15 points. The Lady Tigers recorded 21 total field goals and went 9 of 15 from the charity stripe.
Lyon’s leading scorers Riggs and Rhodes each had 18 points. Krista McGill had 10, followed by 9 from Shelby Snow. As a team, Lyon hit 14 field goals and went 12 of 18 from the free throw line.
Lyon will again be in action on Friday night when they host Crittenden County in a JV/V contest. The varsity will begin play at 7:30, while the junior varsity will begin at 6. Then, on Dec. 15, the Lady Lyons will travel to Dawson Springs to face the Lady Panthers in a JV/V contest. The junior varsity game is set to begin at 6 with the varsity contest to follow.