Quick start propels Southwest DeKalb past Tucker High in girls’ basketball action

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The Southwest DeKalb Panthers used a fast 12-0 start to power their way past the Tucker Tigers in Region 5-4A girls’ high school basketball play at Southwest DeKalb on Friday night(Dec. 12).

Kayla Walton got the Panthers (6-2, 4-1) with a three-pointer to open the scoring. She followed with a layup on an assist from a Bailee Canty steal. Two free throws by Chance Alexander, a three-pointer by Charmaine Owens and a steal and basket by Walton made it 12-0 with 3:52 to play in the opening period.

A free throw by Harmonie Cooper and a layup by Marile Austin ended the drought for the Tigers. Owens hit another basket and a three-pointer to send Southwest DeKalb into the second quarter with a 17-5 lead.

Consecutive steals by Owens and Walton early in the second quarter upped the lead to 21-7. The Panthers then put together a 10-2 run in the final 2:40 of the first half with Kennedi Thomas completing a three-point play in the final 14 seconds of the half to make it a 33-11 halftime lead.

Southwest DeKalb put up 13 points to nine for Tucker in the third quarter as the lead grew to 26 points at 46-20 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Panthers went on a 10-0 to open the fourth quarter to make no doubt about the outcome of the game. Ryann Chaney started the run with  pass from Rakiah Miller. Ryleigh Kimmons 15-foot shot from the wing concluded the run with the Panthers up 56-20.

Jayla Walton led the Panthers with 14 points while Charmaine Owens added 12 points and Baile Canty 10. Ryleigh Kimmons hit for eight points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Harmonie Cooper led the Tigers (5-4, 2-2) with 11 points and eight rebounds.

Story and photos submitted by Mark Brock, Specialist for DeKalb County Schools Athletics