SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
Marion County girls basketball snapped its recent losing streak last Friday night with a 36-29 win over cross-town rival Whitwell.
The Lady Warriors edged the Lady Tigers 9-8 in the opening quarter. Chrysia Timmis and Jacy Gatlin each knocked down a 3-pointer to help Marion take the early lead.
Whitwell answered with a strong second quarter, holding Marion to just six points while scoring 11 of its own. Callie Brock fueled the run with four points, including a 3-pointer and a 1-for-2 trip to the free-throw line.
The Lady Tigers carried a 19-15 lead into halftime, but that advantage quickly disappeared after the break.
Marion came out of the locker room on a mission, outscoring Whitwell 10-2 in the third quarter. Anistyn Tate accounted for Whitwell’s only two points during the stretch.
Despite going just 3-for-8 from the free-throw line in the period, the Lady Warriors regained control. Timmis added four more points, while Gatlin connected on another 3-pointer.
Whitwell showed fight in the final quarter. Brock finished with a team-high 10 points, adding three in the fourth. Layla Holder and Aya Apostle each chipped in two.
But Marion’s balanced scoring proved to be enough. The Lady Warriors scored 11 points in the final frame, five coming from Heidi Freeman. Tori Rymer added three, Kaylee McGowan scored two, and Timmis finished with a team-high 13 points to secure the win.