The LaSalle Lady Tigers fell 43-29 to the Buckeye Lady Panthers in the last pre-district game of the seaon last Friday night at LaSalle High School in Olla.
Buckeye blasted out of the gates with an intense defense that has been a signature of the Lady Panthers for the past few seasons. LaSalle would battle, but in the second half of the game, Buckeye’s numbers would play a huge role in this win. The Lady Panthers were able to rotate ten experienced players and LaSalle could only rotate seven players.
Leading the Lady Tiger offense would be Mattie Parham, senior post player. Parham would score 18 of the 29 LaSalle points. Parham would also grab 18 rebounds for another one of her signature double-doubles. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Tigers would be Lexi Lasiter, Leanna Womack, Landry Long, Harlee Nowlin and Cammie Estis.
LaSalle opened District 3-1A play this week as Lakeview visited the Lady Tigers Tuesday night to open district season. This will be a rematch of last season’s Division 4 Non-Select quarterfinal match- up. The Lady Gators ended LaSalle’s playoff run in that quarterfinal game. This should be an interesting matchup as Lakeview will be the early favorites to win the district championship. LaSalle will be a great test for Lakeview, as the Lady Tigers will work hard to prove that they belong in the championship discussion.
On Thursday night, January 16, the Lady Tigers will travel to Downsville for a non-district game and then the following night, Friday, January 17, they will hit the road again to take on Northwood for their second district game.
Next week, on Tuesday, January 21, the Lady Tigers will be back at home for a huge district game as they will take on the St. Mary’s Lady Tigers.
Let’s pack the stands for all basketball games as the Lady Tigers start a journey towards a district championship. All games will tip off at 6 p.m.
Hope to see you at the games.
Photos from the Buckeye game: