FRANKLIN FURNACE - They're getting better. And closer.

The Green Lady Bobcats threw a scare into Southern Ohio Conference leader Western Pike before losing 50-48 Monday.

"Our defense was much improved, but we gave it away on the boards. We got hurt by rebounding and turnovers," Green coach Melissa Knapp said.

"I can see improvement. Our young kids are starting to help out. We're playing everyone close, but that's what's frustrating. It would be nice to win a close one."

Jade Downing had 17 points to lead three Lady Indians in double figures. Kaylee Helton scored 15 and Brittany Brewster 14.

Green (2-7, 2-4) was paced by Meagan Pierce with 12 points. Elista Hall scored 10 and Heidi Tackett added eight.

Brewster scored six points in the first quarter to give Western a 16-11 lead.

Downing had eight in the second quarter to offset four each by Pierce and Hall as Western built a 28-21 halftime lead.

Tackett and Pierce combined for eight points in the third quarter as Green closed the gap to 37-34.

Helton and Hall matched each other with six points in the fourth quarter as Western held on for the win.

Western Pike1612913-50

Green11101314-48

WESTERN PIKE (NA): Kaylee Helton 5 0 5-9 15, Brittany Brewster 2 2 4-5 14, Jade Downing 7 0 3-6 17, Lisa Franzen 2 0 0-0 4, Shallyn Deal 0 0 0-0 0, Megan Williamson 0 0 0-0 0, Brittany Hall 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16

(2)

12-20

50. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: Franzen.

GREEN (2-7, 2-4):

Meagan Pierce 5 0 2-7 12, Jessica Dyer 1 0 0-0 2, Brittany Tackett 3 0 1-2 7, Traci Elrod 0 1 0-0 3, Chelsey Pierce 3 0 0-0 6, Elista Hall 3 1 1-3 10, Heidi Tackett 1 0 6-6 8, Kortney Pfleger 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16

(2)

10-18

48. Fouls: 22. Fouled out: Hall, B. Tackett.