By Staff
Scot Beard
The Russellville varsity girls basketball team got off to a great start against eighth-ranked Athens Friday, but could not hold on late in its 60-56 loss to the Lady Golden Eagles.
Russellville lead 17-0 early, but Athens chipped away at the lead throughout the final three quarters.
"First half we did really good," Russellville coach James Bostick said. "We got away from the game plan in the second half and it cost us."
The Lady Golden Tigers dominated the first quarter, outscoring Athens 19-2. Athens turned the table in the second quarter, outscoring Russellville 20-12, but the Lady Golden Tigers held on to a 31-22 advantage at halftime.
Athens continued to chip away and briefly took the lead early in the fourth quarter before Erin Reynolds scored three consecutive baskets to put Russellville ahead 50-47.
With the Lady Golden Tigers holding a one-point lead, Taylor Smith was called for a technical foul and Athens converted both free throws to take the lead for good with a little more than a minute remaining in the game.
Reynolds scored a game high 26 points and pulled down 19 rebounds for Russellville.
"She had outstanding game," Bostick said. "She played hard. She's trying to be a team leader and she's leading by example."
Tasha West also recorded a double-double for Russellville by scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Also scoring for Russellville were Amber Elliot (9), Smith (8), and Hallie Harvey (3).