Eaglettes climb to third in rankings
The Canton Eaglettes have been virtually automatic on the hardwood during the 2018-’19 season, stringing together victories at a dizzying pace.
That success has continued into district play with the Eaglettes scoring victories over both Brownsboro and Mabank over the past week to run their season record to a sterling 25-1 mark.
Additionally, the Eaglettes now find themselves ranked third overall among all 4A teams according to the most recent Texas Girls Coaches Association Weekly Rankings.
Canton opened its week at home Jan. 8, downing Brownsboro 41-21 to pick up their second district win of the season. The Eaglettes outscored the Bearettes in each quarter, gradually extending their lead in every quarter played during the 20-point win.
Canton's defense dominated the opening quarter, limiting Brownsboro to just a pair of made field goals as the Eaglettes established a 10-4 lead.
The balanced Eaglette attack extended the lead to double-digits by halftime, 21-11, and 30-19 through three quarters.
Canton closed play with their best performance of the night, outscoring Brownsboro 11-2 over the game's final eight minutes to clinch the 41-21 victory.
Leading scorers for Canton included Mattie Tullos with 11, Hannah Manry with 10, Kayden Prox with eight, Ashley Wood with five, Kyndall Nilius with four and Olivia Norrell with three.
The Eaglettes hit the road Jan. 11, capping their week with a 39-22 win over a scrappy Mabank Lady Panther squad.
The two teams were evenly matched throughout a competitive first half as the Eaglettes took a 6-4 lead after one quarter of play and 17-14 lead into the break.
Sparked by a strong defensive play, Canton dominated third quarter play to seize control. The Eaglettes outpaced Mabank 16-2 overall, extending their three-point halftime lead to 17 points entering the final quarter.
Canton and Mabank played to a 6-6 draw in the fourth, allowing the Eaglettes to take home the 39-22 win.
Olivia Norrell led all players with 15 points overall, followed by Ashley Wood with seven, Hannah Manry and Mattie Tullos with six points each, Sophie Welty and Ashley Riffe with two points each and Kyndall Nilius with one.
The Eaglettes were scheduled to play host to chief rival Van Jan. 15 before wrapping up the first round of district play on the road in Athens Jan. 18. Other upcoming dates for Canton will include a home date against Wills Point Jan. 22 and a trip to Brownsboro Jan. 25.
