TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor
Sunday, February 19, 2012 5:29 pm

Cannon County's Abbey Sissom scored 19 of her game-high 20 points against Smith County in the first half to get the Lionettes rolling in the consolation game.

SPARTA - Abbey Sissom scored early and often and the Lionettes put together a spirited and convincing exhibition of basketball as they bounced back from a tough semifinal loss to dispose of Smith County, 54-29, in the consolation game of the District 8-AA Tournament at White County High School Saturday (Feb. 18).

Sissom scored a game-high 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting, Jordan Hollis added eight, Joanna Young seven and Ashley Basham six, as the Lionettes captured third place. Cannon County will play at Sequatchie County in the first round of the Region 4-AA Tournament Friday.

Sissom and Lindsey Reed were named to the All-District 8-AA Tournament team for Cannon County. The win was also career victory No. 225 for Lionettes Head Coach Michael Dodgen.

The Lionettes (25-7) jumped out to a 18-4 lead and never looked back. They led 32-13 at the half. Sissom scored 19 in the first half when she knocked down six-of-seven shots, including three-of-four 3-pointers.

“I was real proud of the girls’ effort and focus after a tough game against Upperman the day before,” Dodgen said. “It’s not easy to come back from a tough loss like and play with the effort we did. It says a lot about our team. They were outstanding once again on the defensive end. This is one of the best defensive teams I’ve ever coached.”

The Lionettes allowed just six field goals, including three in each half. Smith County scored 14 of its 29 at the free-throw line. The Owls never got closer than 20 after Cannon County’s early run.

Reed and Madison Walkup scored five each for the Lionettes.