Cass girls start fast in win over Cartersville

The Cass Lady Colonels’ basketball team started fast and then held off rival Cartersville 50-35 to open play Wednesday at the Chattooga Christmas Classic in Summerville.

Payton Stoddard and Jana Morning combined for 18 first half points as the Lady Colonels took leads of 15-6 after one quarter and 31-14 at halftime. Cartersville — who had won three straight going in — rallied to outscore Cass 11-3 in the third period and narrowed the lead to nine (34-25) heading to the final eight minutes. The Lady Colonels’ Jana Morning (photo) scored a dozen of her game-high 20 points in the final period, however, to help lift Cass to a 15-point win.

Stoddard finished with 12 points for Cass. Kyla Michienzi added seven points. Esmeralda Thomas finished with six points. Lyric Curtis totaled four and Chanel Clemmons one point for Cass.

Cartersville (5-4) got six points each from Kimora McClinic, Camila Rodriguez, Madison McKinney, and India Reid.

Both teams play again Thursday at the Chattooga Tournament.

The Lady Canes will play a consolation round game against the North Murray / Southeast Whitfield loser. Cass (7-3) advances to the tournament semifinals Thursday to play the North Murray / Southeast Whitfield winner (played Wednesday night). The Lady Colonels have won four of their last five games.