PINEVILLE — Nevaeh Allen and Kairi Lamb combined for a dominant performance Friday night as Bell County held off Clay County 66–60 to improve to an impressive 11–1 on the season.
Lamb finished with 19 points and a game-high 18 rebounds while Allen poured in 24 points to lead the Lady Bobcats.
The victory marked Bell County’s second win over Clay County this season, as the Lady Tigers dropped to 6–6.
“Good win for our basketball team,” Bell County coach David Teague said. “I thought the kids battled and played well even when we made some mistakes. It was a game that was back and forth, always good to win one like that. I felt that our leadership was good tonight and we got positive minutes from everyone. Go Lady Cats.”
Bell County set the tone early, outscoring Clay County 21–11 in the first quarter. Gracie Barton scored 10 points in the opening period as the Lady Bobcats jumped out to an early advantage. After leading 13–11, Bell County used a 12-point run to create separation and take control of the game.
The Lady Bobcats carried a 34–26 lead into halftime and never relinquished the advantage, answering every Clay County push down the stretch.
Allen’s 24 points led a balanced Bell County scoring effort. Lamb followed with 19 points, while Barton added 13. Lyla Scearce finished with six points, and Aubree Miracle and Bristal Jordan chipped in two points apiece.
Lamb also filled up the stat sheet with 18 rebounds, three assists, and a block. Barton contributed five rebounds, four steals, and two assists.
Bell County shot 27-of-55 from the field and was especially sharp from beyond the arc, knocking down 7-of-12 three-pointers. Allen hit three triples while Scearce and Barton each connected with two.
Maci White led Clay County with 24 points and nine rebounds while Carly Fultz had 14 points and six rebounds.
“Very hard fought game against a well coached team,” Clay County coach Gemma Parks said. “We dug ourselves a hole early but fought back to eventually take the lead late. It slipped from us, but I’m very proud of our effort, getting better day by day and learning what it takes to win these kinds of games. Looking to get back into it with our first home game tomorrow against Buckhorn.”
