West Lincoln’s Lady Bears spoiled Enterprise’s senior night Friday, taking the Lady Yellow Jackets out 44-32 to remain undefeated in region play.

A close contest unraveled in a third quarter dominated by West Lincoln. The Lady Bears broke out of a close contest and outscored Enterprise 22-7 in the third period, taking control of the game and riding out the fourth quarter.

“The first half was terrible, but we had a great third quarter,” Lady Bears coach Brooks Smith said. “We did enough in the third quarter to push us ahead and sustain a margin of victory.”

Although the she-bears scored the first basket of the game, it was Enterprise’s Nations twins — Carlee and Jana — that kept the Lady Jackets in front throughout the first period. Enterprise led 7-6 moving into the second period.

Both teams missed their marks on half their shots as the second quarter went along. The Lady Bears hit some offensive spurs, but the Lady Jackets managed to sustain enough offense take a slim, 15-14 lead into halftime.

The Lady Bears came out of the locker room looking like a totally different team than the one that played the first half. Causing turnovers, the she-bears took their first lead of the game and started to separate themselves from the Lady Jackets. Enterprise made some needed baskets and slowly climbed their way back into the game, but the Lady Bears commanded a 36-22 lead going into the final quarter — a huge margin in a game where points were had to come by.

Despite the Lady Jackets continuing to make the baskets to stay in the game, West Lincoln’s offense as able to stay ahead of them. The Lady Bears went on to win by a final score of 44-32.

Even with the loss, the Lady Jackets had one player shoot double digits. Senior Jana Nations netted 11 points, one rebound and three steals, while Carlee Nations followed with nine points, five rebounds, two steals and four assists.

Senior Eden Ward shot three points, four rebounds and one steal, while junior Breyauna Johnson also had three points. Senior Karlee Burgess hit two, six rebounds, two steals and one assist. Senior Monisha Pendlenton also had two points, six rebounds and two assists. Freshman Kaylie Burgess finished with two points and one rebound.

The Lady Bears also had one player hit double digits. Junior Katelyn Dickerson led with 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Junior Megan Gerald netted nine points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals. Junior Skylar Hall shot seven points, two rebounds and two steals. Freshman Brittany Sturkey also had seven points, two rebounds and one assist. Sophomore Bailey Wilson finished with six points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The win keeps the Lady Bears perfect in Region 7-2A action at 6-0, with an overall record of 15-6.

The Lady Jackets fall to 2-5 in Region 7-2A, with an overall record of 9-7.

Lady Bears will be in action tonight as they host regional rival Loyd Star. The Lady Jackets will also be in action tonight as they take on regional foe Bogue Chitto.

The Daily Leader sought to interview the top-performing players from both teams, but Enterprise coach Shane Adams was meeting with his players in the locker room. West Lincoln coach Brooks Smith has prohibited his team from speaking to the press.

Story by Dave Linton