Phil Campbell’s Vickie McAlister (3) tries to dodge Tharptown’s Debbie Gomez (12) in Friday’s game. Photo by Bart Moss.

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

Phil Campbell 63, Tharptown 49

The Phil Campbell Lady Bobcats extended their unbeaten season by upending the Tharptown Lady Wildcats Friday night 62-49.

After a tight first quarter, the Bobcats pulled away in the second quarter by outscoring Tharptown 21-9 and took a 31-18 lead into the locker room at halftime. Phil Campbell extended their lead to 44-26 at the end of the third quarter.

“We played really well on defense tonight,” Bobcat head coach Craig Thomas said.

“We were able to control the tempo of the game very well. Our seniors are showing a lot of leadership while our younger players continue to improve.”

Senior inside player Taylor Pace powered the Bobcats with 21 points and Elizabeth Benford added 10 points. Others scoring for the Bobcats were Leah Gunderman (7), Bethany Harris (6), Courtney Baker (6), Vickie McAlister (5), Reagan Roberts (4), Kaylee Ayers (2), and Harley Voyles (1).

Kaitlyn Vandiver led the way for the Wildcats with 20 points. Vandiver spent several minutes out of action after a nasty fall on the floor leaving her with a bloody and possibly broken nose. Others scoring for the Wildcats were Jessica Wilson (8), Haley Malone (6), Kathy Alfaro (4), Savannah Hamilton (3), Brooke Daniel (3), Klaudia Harris (2), Ashlyn Vandiver (2), and Debbie Gomez (1).

Phil Campbell 64, Hickory Flat (Miss.) 36

The Phil Campbell Lady Bobcats outscored Hickory Flat in all four quarters to take an opening round victory in the Alabama/Mississippi Shootout.

Phil Campbell led 10-6 at the end of the first quarter and 24-17 at halftime. The Bobcats extended their lead to 46-30 at the end of the third quarter. Phil Campbell outscored Hickory Flat 17-6 in the final period to seal the win by a score of 64-36.

Taylor Pace led the Bobcats in scoring with 28 points and Vickie McAlister added 11 points. Others scoring for the Bobcats were Bethany Harris (8), Elizabeth Benford (5), Kaylee Ayers (5), Courtney Baker (4), Reagan Roberts (2), and Leah Gunderman (1).

Phil Campbell 65, Mantachie (Miss.) 56

The Phil Campbell Lady Bobcats fell behind Mantachie (Miss.) 14-11 in the opening quarter of the Alabama/Mississippi Shootout, but the Lady Bobcats powered their way back to a 21-11 second quarter, seizing control of a lead they would not relinquish.

Leading 32-25 at halftime, Phil Campbell extended their lead to 47-36 at the third quarter. Mantachie outscored Phil Campbell 20-18 in the fourth quarter but the Bobcats were able to hang on for the win.

Taylor Pace led the Bobcats with 26 points. Elizabeth Benford added 13 points and Vickie McAlister added 12 points. Others scoring were Courtney Baker (6), Leah Gunderman (4) and Bethany Harris (4).