Saturday, January 16, 2010 10:08 pm

Cannon County's Lauren Ruehlen eyes the basket as she drives into the paint for a shot against Upperman Saturday night. (Photo by RONNY BURKS)

Cannon County's girls suffered their first loss of the season Saturday night at the hands of the Upperman Lady Bees, and the Lions didn't fare any better at the hands of the Upperman boys.

Upperman had the upper hand from the beginning against the Lionettes, as the Lady Bees flew out to a 21-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Cannon County battled back to pull within 10 at the half, 31-21, and narrowed the margin even more at the end of three, 42-34.

However, in the fourth quarter, Upperman held Cannon County to just three points and went on to notch a 59-37 triumph. The loss makes the Lionettes 16-1 on the season, 4-1 in District 8-AA.

SCORING: Lauren Ruehlen 13 points (7 rebounds); Ashley Campbell 9; Taylor King 7; Emily Sissom 3; Shelby Jordan 3; Chelsey Payne 2,

The Lions fared no better, dropping their second district contest in as many nights.

The Bees led 12-8 at the end of the initial stanza, and 24-19 at the half. The Lions fell behind further in the third period, trailing 40-32 entering the final period, and Upperman went on to take a 60-49 win.

SCORING: Justin Davenport 17 points; Jared Nave 14 points (10 rebounds); Cody Ruehlen 9; Colin Jones 5; T.J. Mitchell 3; Brian Cripps 1.

Cannon County's teams will attempt to get back in the win column Tuesday night when they play host to Bledsoe County.