Lady Eagles start region schedule Fri.

East Jackson hopes to break Union County’s win streak against the Lady Eagles, which dates back to January of 2008.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Last Friday, East Jackson renewed the in-county rivalry that was established two years ago with Jackson County Comprehensive High School. The two teams did not play last season, so both sides were eager for a renewal meeting.

The Lady Panthers took control early, moving out to a 20-4 advantage by the end of the first quarter. The Lady Eagles held their own defensively in the second quarter, limiting Jackson County to only five points. However, the offense could only make up 10, leaving the Lady Panthers with a 25-14 advantage at the half.

Jackson County outscored East Jackson 16-14 in the third period to take a 41-28 lead into the fourth quarter where an Eagle surge came up short and Jackson County prevailed 49-36.

Abby Adams led the Lady Eagles with 12 points while Mikki McGinnis and Caroline Hicks scored seven each and Lashundra Gresham added six points.

“We cannot put ourselves in that kind of hole at any point in the game,” said coach Amy Larimer. “We played a great three quarters but we put ourselves in the position of having to come back the entire game, which is difficult. I was proud of how they did not lie down, but fought back.”

For more on the Lady Eagles, see this week's The Commerce News and The Jackson Herald.