By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

Ider 47-Crossville 37

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The Ider Hornets and the Crossville Lions faced each other in the semifinals of the Dekalb County Tournament last Thursday night.  The Lady Hornets won the game to advance to the tournament finals where they face the Sylvania Lady Rams, in the championship matchup this Thursday, Jan, 28 at 6:00 p.m at the Dekalb County Schools Coliseum.

The game started with a bit of confusion as to who was officially designated the home team after both teams ran out dressed in black and gold.  After a brief delay, Crossville came back out of the dressing room in borrowed, white and blue jerseys from Plainview.

The #2 seed Lady Hornets took the tip off but both teams struggled to score in the first quarter.  At the end of the first, Ider led the Lady Lions, 12-7.

Ider was able to maintain their lead going into the half, with a score of 28-19 over Crossville.

The Lions came back from the half , quickly scoring four points by Cassie McDaniel, to pressure the Hornets and to cut their lead by five.  At the end of the third, the Lions had cut the Hornet lead down to three points.

With 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Crossville Lady Lions came within one point of the Hornets.  The Lions never took the lead but did pressure the Ider Hornets.  With 3:03 remaining in the fourth, the Hornets had built their lead up by five points.  Ider drew some fouls and was able to hit the shots to gain the 10 point lead and advance to the finals on Thursday.

Morgan Flynn led the Ider Hornets with 12 points.  Hannah Culpepper and Jaclyn Allday each scored nine for the Hornets.

For Crossville, Cassidy McDaniel led the team with 12 points.

Ider will come to the game on Thursday looking for redemption, after losing to the Sylvania Rams in regular season play.