Sunday, February 21, 2010 3:09 am

COOKEVILLE — The Lions of Cannon County High and the Dragons of Alvin C. York Institute waged a fierce battle for third place in the District 8-AA basketball tournament here Saturday night.

The game was close from beginning to end. The Lions grabbed an 11-9 edge at the end of the first quarter and maintained their two-point advantage at the half, 26-24.

Cannon County extended its lead to six, 37-31, going into the final quarter.

With Justin Davenport leading the way with 21 points, and Jared Nave (13), Colin Jones (12) and Cody Ruehlen (11) also scoring in double figures, the Lions went on to a 57-52 victory.

Cannon County's boys will play in the region tournament later this week.

Meanwhile, the Lionettes will play here Monday at 6 p.m. for the district girls tournament title against regular-season nemesis Upperman.