TIFTON —
The Tiftarea Academy Lady Panthers opened their basketball season Monday night with a preseason tournament at Terrell Academy in Dawson.
In the final game of Monday night’s play, the Lady Panthers went up against the three-time state champion, the host Terrell Academy Lady Eagles.
Tiftarea held the score close during the first half, but the Lady Eagles pulled away in the second half with a dominant offense as they led the Lady Panthers 58-35 as time ran off the clock.
Caitlyn Albritton led the Tiftarea offense with 13 points as Rachel Thomason followed with 10 points.
Tiftarea’s game on Tuesday had a different outcome as the Lady Panthers defeated the Patriots from Randolph Southern, 72-64.
At the end of the first quarter, the score was tied 9-9 as the Lady Patriots ran a fast break offense against the Lady Panthers. The second quarter found Tiftarea settling down on the court as they led 34-27 at halftime. During the final quarters of the game, both teams were in foul trouble as the Lady Panthers continued to lead 56-48 at the beginning of the fourth quarter and 72-64 as the final buzzer sounded.
The coaches were able to get all the Lady Panthers on the court as they had 10 players scoring with two in double digits.
Ali Rippy led the team with 20 points, while Albritton followed with 17. Katie Johnson and Erin Register had six points each, as MacKenzie McWhorter and Rachel Thomason chipped in five points apiece. Other Lady Panthers scoring were Neeli Fortson, Mary Margaret McGarr, Madison Smith and Jarrett McWhorter. Tristen Rutland and Addi Cromer were unable to play due to injuries and sickness.
The Tiftarea Panthers and Lady Panthers begin regular season play at home Tuesday at 6 p.m. against Citizens Christian Academy from Douglas.
Local Sports
Tiftarea Academy Lady Panthers begin their basketball season
- Local Sports
-
-
Tattnall Square tops Tiftarea, 6-2
Ernie Banks used to say, "let's play two." In a game that was as long as two and was defined early on by errors and later by a pitching duel, it would be offense that propelled the Tattnall Square Trojans past the Tiftarea Academy Panthers, 6-2 in 14 innings. Tattnall, who won the first game of the series, 4-1 before dropping game two, 6-3, will meet Mount de Sales in the Class AAA semifinals next week.
-
Loop the Lake coming June 1
The 2013 Lake Blackshear Loop the Lake 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and Stroller Roll benefiting GraceWay Recovery Residence will be held on Saturday, June 1 at the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club.
-
Tiftarea-Tattnall split
The quarterfinals series between the Tiftarea Academy Panthers and defending state Class AAA champions Tattnall Square Trojans matched up two of the top teams in the state and after two games, the battle has been a stalemate. The Trojans won the first game 4-1, while the Panthers took game two, 6-3. Game three will be today at 2 p.m.
-
Tiftarea hosts defending state champs
Coach Brad Porter and the Tiftarea Academy Panthers have been taking the road to the GISA state Class AAA championship one obstacle at a time. As Region 3's No. 1 seed they are entitled to host the quarterfinals round, which starts at 4 p.m. today in Chula. However, their obstacle is a big one: the defending state champions, the Tattnall Square Trojans.
-
First inning dooms Devils
For a team used to deciding games late, it was the first inning that hurt the Tift County Blue Devils Wednesday. Two homeruns within a span a three hitters put the Walton Raiders up by three. That would be the final margin in the quarterfinal series between the two schools, the Devils ending their season with a 5-2 loss in Marietta.
-
TCHS spring football game Friday
Are you ready for some football? The Tift County Blue Devils are. Their spring game is being played Friday and it is the start of a fresh season of competition. The game will be played at Brodie Field at 7 p.m. Admission for adults is $5, but is free for students.
-
Late magic forces another game three
Metro Atlanta has become home away from home for the Tift County Blue Devils. They have made four trips north for three series in the state Class AAAAAA baseball playoffs. All three series have gone to game three, the third against the Walton Raiders in Marietta because of a miracle comeback 2-1 win after a first game loss of 8-0. Game three will begin at 4:30 p.m. today.
-
GHSA girls state track results
The girls state track competition was held last weekend at Albany's Hugh Mills Stadium and several area athletes participated in events.
- Tift County spring football game Friday
-
Quarterfinals has Devils on the road again
Convenience store owners on I-75 probably know the Tift County Blue Devils by name now. They will be making their third bus ride in two weeks to metro Atlanta when they play the Walton Raiders of Marietta today in a doubleheader in the state Class AAAAAA baseball quarterfinals.
- More Local Sports Headlines
-
