S

The North Gatorettes beat the South Lady Trojans 40-36 at South Middle School Thursday in an early-season matchup for the local rivals.

The score remained relatively close at the end of each quarter with the Gatorettes picking up a narrow victory in the rivalry contest.

The Lady Trojans opened the game with their best offensive period as they were able to take an early lead over the Gatorettes.

South led 13-9 after one quarter.

The scoreboard was flipped in the second quarter as the Gatorettes were able to pull ahead and take a 22-20 advantage into halftime.

The deficit grew by a few points in the third quarter as the Gatorettes remained a step ahead of the Lady Trojans. Zoe Cole scored all five of South’s points in the third quarter.

North led 30-25 going into the final period.

The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter as the Gatorettes held on for a four-point win when the final buzzer sounded.

Shekinah Miller led the Gatorettes with 13 points for the game, followed by Airiana Hill with 10 points and Macie Davis with six.

Vivian Baggett scored four points, Shayla Burnette scored three, and Keira Turner and Isabella Gilliam scored two points each.

The Trojans were led in scoring by Zoe Cole with 20 points, followed by Chloe Cole with seven points and Khylee Speich with three.

Svetlana Fuqua, Victoria Latham and Addilyn Carter scored two points each.

With the win, the Gatorettes started the season with a record of 1-0.

They will next play Monday at East Middle School. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

With the loss, the Lady Trojans moved to 1-1 on the season.

They will next play Monday at Warren County Middle School. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.