TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 5:42 am

Cannon County's Lionettes figure to be among the state's top-ranked teams when the first Associated Press Class AA Top 10 prep poll of the season debuts next week.

In case there is any doubt in the minds of voters the Lionettes continued to work on their impressive resume with a 74-32 thrashing of Warren County at Robert A. Harris Gymnasium Tuesday.

Cannon County (16-1) won its 11th straight and continued to display stifling defense. The game also marked the return of junior standout Lindsey Reed, who had missed five weeks and 11 games with a back injury. Reed was welcomed with a rousing ovation from the large crowd and promptly knocked down her first field goal attempt - a 3-pointer.

It was one of 12 treys the Lionettes drained during their onslaught. Emily Sissom led Cannon County with 18 points and connected for three 3-pointers. Chelsey Payne added 16 points and Abby Jakes tallied 10. Taylor King, JoAnna Young and Abbey Sissom each had five points for the Lionettes.

Cannon County collected 22 assists as a team with Abbey Sissom's seven leading the way, but the Lionettes defense continued to be a staple. The Lionettes collected 25 steals and had a whopping 29 deflections as they made Warren County feel uncomfortable in the Lions Den from the outset.

The Lionettes roared out to a 33-10 first quarter lead, stretched it to 50-16 at the half and never was threatened during its tune-up for a huge District 8-AA stretch that looms, beginning with the first of three straight league games against York in Jamestown Friday.

Check out next week's print edition of The Cannon Courier for a complete breakdown of Cannon County's win against Warren County.