Bonham 56, VA 49

By Jack Walker

Staff Writer

A 12-0 run early in the third quarter propelled the Bonham Lady Warriors to a 10-point lead and Van Alstyne couldn't battle back as the visitors took a 56-49 decision Tuesday night. Bonham senior Sydney Millhollon scored 10 of her game high 22-points in that run. Her three-ball late in the period staked Bonham to a 38-28 lead before a Hunter Offill three-pointer stopped the run.

After Sierra Motley and Mackenzie Allen had each split a pair of free throws, Sam Hutchison scored as she was fouled and her and-one free throw finished the quarter for the Lady Panthers. Van Alstyne outscored the visitors 16-11 in the final eight but a delay game and the third quarter blitz could not be overcome as the Lady Panthers fell to 1-7 in district play.

The first half was the Kendra Cook show for the Lady Panthers. One of just two seniors on this team, Cook blistered the nets for 14 points in the first half. Her two post moves for buckets got the Van Alstyne offense rolling and baskets by Holly Fortner and Hunter Offill gave the Lady Panthers a 14-10 lead at the end of one.

After Millhollon had scored to open the second period, Cook stuck two jumpers from just inside the arc to give Van Alstyne its biggest lead at 18-13.

Both teams went into an offensive slump over the final four minutes of the half. A Chesaley Sparks basket and two free throws by Katelyn Bardwell tied the game at 19 each. Offill scored again for the Lady Panthers and a Hutchison bucket kept the game deadlocked at 23-23 at the intermission.

Bonham got away on that early third quarter run and the Lady Panthers couldn't recover.

With the win, Bonham maintains a mathematical shot at third place although they are two games back with just two to play.

Tonight is Pack the House night and senior night as the Lady Panthers host Anna in the final home game for Van Alstyne seniors Kendra Cook and Bailey Offill.

Bonham 10 13 22 11-56

VA 14 9 10 16-49

VA: Kendra Cook 17, Sam Hutchison 11, Hunter Offill 9, Sierra Motley 7, Mackenzie Allen 3, Holly Fortner 2.