Tigerettes even record at 3-3 with 49-41 win over Paradise

PARADISE – The road had been anything but kind to Jacksboro during a recent four-game road trip, convincing losses to Class 2A Archer City and Haskell would prove that point.

A move up in classification to former district foe Paradise Nov. 23 provided a change of pace … and luckily fortune, as the Tigerettes used a big first quarter to take the lead and were able to maintain it in a 49-41 victory at Panther Gym.

Jacksboro goes to 3-3 with the win and would close the road trip at Iowa Park the next day (a 37-27 loss).

A slow start was Jacksboro’s issue again, not scoring for the game’s first more than three minutes before Kylie Tullous’ layin. The 6-0 run continued on baskets by Traci Berend and Avery Bennett.

It was Berend, however, who would break the game open with three buckets in the final minute that, along with some free throws in the waning moments, would give the visitors a 17-10 lead after one.

Berend had 10 first quarter points and the Tigerettes would need every one of them because the Lady Panthers would shut down things down low for most of the rest of the game. Every Tigerette would get her name in the scorebook, however, to provide balance in the final three quarters. Jacksboro would extend the lead into double figures early in the second on baskets by 14 and 21.

Sensing the game was getting away from them, Paradise installed a press which frustrated the Tigerettes. It was jacksboro’s defense that held Paradise to just 1-5 shooting in the frame. Seven free throws would allow Paradise to stay in the game and cut the halftime deficit to 28-19.

Paradise got within six on a three-pointer in the first 15 seconds of the second half. Brynn Pardue got the three-pointer back late in the quarter. Jaci Gann and Berend added buckets as the lead remained at nine, 39-30 to enter the final frame.

Paradise would not go away without a fight, cutting the deficit to four midway through the quarter. Gann used the ensuing possession to begin pulling away. She buried a three from the left corner with 2:58 left to put the Tigerettes up 46-39.

Paradise got within five one last time but free throws from senior Alex Holman and Hadlee Richardson sealed the deal.

Berend had 14 points to lead theTigerettes with Gann adding eight.