Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

RIO GRANDE — The Fairland Lady Dragons saved their best for last.

The Lady Dragons used a strong fourth quarter to rally past the Athens Lady Bulldogs 50-42 in the Hoops Project Classic on Saturday at the University of Rio Grande.

“The difference for us was our offensive rebounding. Mackenzie Riley and Jenna Fulks were big catalysts in that area,” said Fairland coach Jon Buchanan.

Riley scored 12 points to lead a balanced Fairland offense.

Kelsey Riley and Fulks added 9 points each. Caitlin Stone 8 points and freshman Alesha Simpson had 7 points.

“We’ve really been balanced. We haven’t played well together yet. We need to get everyone going at the same time,” said Buchanan.

Dominique Doseck led Athens (0-3) with a game-high 16 points. Alexis McCollum had 12 points and Olivia Harris added 8 points.

“Doseck hurt us early. We changed up our defense and did a better job on her. We played better in the second half,” said Buchanan.

Athens led 12-8 at the end of the first quarter and it was 24-19 at the half.

The Lady Dragons were within 34-30 after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, Mackenzie Riley had 8 points and Stone 5 points to spark the comeback. Doseck scored 7 points for Athens.

Fairland hosts Coal Grove on Monday.

Athens 12 12 10 8 = 42

Fairland 8 11 11 20 = 50

ATHENS (0-3): Alexis McCollum 2 2 2-3 12, Olivia Harris 1 2 0-0 8, Eva Barr 0 0 0-0 0, Dominique Doseck 2 3 3-5 16, Claire DeBruin 0 0 0-0 0, Taylor Gregory 0 0 0-0 0, Sophie Miller 0 0 0-0 0, Queena Prince 0 0 0-0 0, Stone 1 0 0-0 2, Rachel Gilkey 2 0 2-2 6. Totals: 8 7 7-10 42. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: Gilkey.

FAIRLAND (1-2): Emily Chapman 1 0 1-2 3, Maddy Kazee 0 0 0-0 0, Taylor Staten 0 1 0-0 3, Mackenzie Riley 5 0 2-4 12, Kelsey Riley 2 0 5-7 9, Caitlin Stone 1 2 0-1 8, Jenna Fulks 1 1 4-9 9, Alesha Simpson 3 0 1-2 7. Totals: 13 4 12-24 50. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.