TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 7:32 am

CROSSVILLE - Abbey Sissom and Lindsey Reed combined for 47 points and the powerful Cannon County Lionettes opened the season with a 67-53 road win against Class AAA Cumberland County here Tuesday.

The Lions were unable to complete the sweep, falling 49-31 against the Jets in the nightcap.

Sissom knocked down six 3-pointers and was 4-of-7 from beyond the 3-point arc in the first half as Cannon County opened a 29-17 halftime lead. Reed took over in the second half, scoring 18 of her 24 after the break.

Reed opened her senior season with a smashing performance that almost resulted in a triple double. In addition to her 23 points, Reed had nine steals, eight rebounds and three assists - and she didn't play the second quarter due to foul trouble.

Junior post Ashley Basham was dominant in the paint as she collected 16 rebounds. Basham also scored six points. Joanna Young finished with nine points, 12 rebounds and four steals.

"Overall, I'm pleased with how we played in the first game," Cannon County Head Coach Michael Dodgen said. "There is still a learning curve but these girls will be fine because they work hard. Our effort was fine and we rebounded well."

The youthful Lions made young mistakes in their opener, turning the ball over 23 times and connecting on just 13 field goals in a tough opening loss.

Sophomore Tanner Larson led the Lions with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field. He also had three rebounds. Jarrett Melton battled foul trouble and scored six points. He also had four rebounds. Cory Henley added five and Garrett McReynolds tallied four.

The Lions were 13-of-50 from the field, including 5-of-29 in the second half. They were 2-of-9 from 3-point range.

"We just couldn't hit shots and we had too many turnovers where we just go in a hurry or were careless with the basketball," Lions Head  Coach Matt Rigsby said. "We will continue to learn as we get game experience."