Tuesday, February 12, 2013 11:28 am

By TONY STINNETT/ Courier Sports Editor

DeKalb County was thinking upset when it led No. 4 Cannon County with just second remaining in the first quarter.

That’s when Abbey Sissom heaved a dagger that found its mark and devestated the rivals as the Lionettes (24-3, 9-2) roared to a 61-45 win in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Robert A. Harris Gymnasium Tuesday (Feb. 5).

The win was also a milestone for Lionettes Head Coach Michael Dodgen, who collected career victory 250.

Trailing 13-12 with two seconds remaining in the first quarter, Sissom took the inbound pass and nailed a 65-footer that hit nothing but net to send the Lionettes to the bench with a 15-13 lead.

DeKalb County never recovered and suffered its 33rd straight loss to Cannon County.

Sissom led all scorers with 26 points. She also dished out eight assists and collected four steals.

The junior standout produced another standout performance as she connected on eight -of-13 field goals attempts, including 5-of-9 from 3-point range.

Several Lionettes enjoyed strong performances in the final regular-season home game. Jordan Hollis tallied nine points.

Abby Jakes, Ashley Basham and Emily Pemberton each scored six points. Pemberton also ripped down five rebounds. Madison Walkup connected for five points, and Rebekah Faulkner scored two points but hauled in a game-high six rebounds.

The Lionettes shot 54 percent on 22-of-41 from the field. They were a sizzling 9-of-20 from 3-point range for 45 percent, and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line.