MONTICELLO — The Lawrence County boys and Mendenhall girlscaptured the 2004-2005 Lawrence County Round-Robin Tournament NewYear’s Day in the Lawrence County High Gym.

The Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Cougars 57-41, while theCougars gained the split with a 66-47 win over the Tigers.

Lawrence County hosts South Pike Tuesday for a Division 6-4Atest.

Mendenhall 57, Lawrence Co. 41

The Lady Cougars (3-10) kept this game close throughout thefirst half, even though they trailed 11-8 after one period and26-19 entering the halftime locker room.

Mendenhall’s Angelica Burgess led the way, scoring 13 of hergame-high 23 points in the first half.

Lawrence Co., coached by Jennie Vance, got a balanced scoringeffort from 6 Lady Cougars. Ronesha Garner scored 10 of herteam-high 13 in the opening half. She finished with 7 rebounds, 2steals and 4 assists.

“We are still committing too many turnovers,” said Vance who wasreferring to her team’s 21 miscues.

Lady Tiger Tiffany Lawson found the hot hand in the thirdperiod, hitting for 12 of her 19 points. Mendenhall doubled LCHS18-8 in the period, and led 44-28 entering the fourth quarter.

Lending support for the Lady Cougars were Jasmine Courtney with5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists. Cande’l May had 5 steals and 3assists.

Lawrence Co. 66, Mendenhall 47

The Cougars (13-1) played one of their best all-round games ofthe season. LCHS got production its guards and post players. Pointguard Ray Collins dished out 7 assists in the opening 8 minutes, ashe found Justin Middlebrook and David Clark on several passes, ashead coach Bobby Lee’s team realized a 24-8 first period lead.

“Our guards played well tonight,” said Lee. “This was anothergood win for us.”

Mendenhall (14-5), coached by Jeff Walker, tried to come back inthe second frame. Darrell Johnson tossed in 7 of his team-high 17points, but the Tigers still trailed 37-23 at the intermission.

The Cougars held a 51-32 lead, entering the final period.

LCHS earned their second victory over Mendenhall in as manytries. The Cougars beat Mendenhall 52-40 Nov. 6, to capture theMendenhall Tournament championship.

Clark and Middlebrook each scored 17 points. Middlebrook (5treys) had 2 assists. Clark added 9 rebounds and 2 assists. J.P.Lewis had 11 rebounds. Collins dished out a season-high 10 assistsand had 2 steals. Victor Longino had 4 assists.