Cody McKee
Special to the Enquirer

CADDO – Cullman’s Baylee Johnson paced the Lady Bearcats with 29 points, leading the way to a 53-42 victory over Hartselle in the Class 5A, Area 15 area tournament at East Limestone Thursday.

Despite a slow start for both teams, Johnson and the Bearcats took advantage of early fouls and turnovers by converting them into points. With the Lady Tigers having two major starters in foul trouble, Johnson took advantage by adding six of her team’s 14 in the first quarter.

Down by eight, the Lady Tigers looked to Riley Terry to help them get back in the game. However, Johnson was starting to take over, adding 11 more to her total and forcing five steals by halftime.

She never looked back from there.

Once the Bearcats reached the double digit lead mark at half, they didn’t let it get much closer.

Despite a 7-2 run to start the second half, Shaneal Johnson and company couldn’t figure out how to put the ball in the basket consistently.

A series of trading baskets set the scene of the final quarter, as Baylee Johnson added six more and hit all of her free throws down the stretch.

Melissa-Paul Hill stepped up late along with Sarah Ellen Battles, but it wasn’t enough to knock off the Lady Bearcats.
Baylee Johnson led all scorers with 29 while Riley Terry added 11 with a trio of 3-pointers.