Lady Chicks fall to Highland

The Blytheville Lady Chickasaws (0-9, 0-5) suffered a 43-29 loss Jan. 21 at Chickasaw Arena against the Highland Lady Rebels (3-8, 1-5).

Highland jumped out to an early advantage on the Lady Chicks and ended the first quarter with a 10-3 lead. To start the second however, Blytheville was able to contain Highland as well as kick start their offense.

After holding the Lady Rebels to just three points for a large portion of the quarter, Highlands’s lead was cut down to 13-9. As Blytheville looked to capitalize on Highland’s drought, the Lady Rebels regained their flow and created more separation.

A score on the inside, followed by two three-pointers to close the first half put Blytheville behind 21-9 going into halftime.

The Lady Chicks looked to shrink the gap again early in the third quarter with five quick points from Tyana Howard to give Blytheville a jolt of energy. Despite the 5-0 run, Highland was able to continue maintaining their advantage.

This time, the Lady Rebels leaned on offensive rebounds and free throws to get their lead back into double-digits. Blytheville’s deficit sat at 30-16 midway through the third, and 33-21 going into the fourth.

Blytheville’s last stand came with just over three minutes left in the game as they cut the Highland lead down to eight. Still, the Lady Chicks were unable to get any closer as Highland converted on some late turnovers from Blytheville to keep the game in their hands.

Howard led Blytheville with 16 points and Essence McClellan added 6. Blytheville’s next contest will come Jan. 25 as they travel to face the Westside Lady Warriors.