Behind double-digit performances from Palyn Sweet and Ellie McDonald, the Pulaski County Lady Cougars cruised to a 64-33 victory over the visiting Patrick Henry Patriots on Monday night.
The Cougars established dominance early, jumping out to a 8-0 lead, then a 19-6 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. By halftime, the Lady Cougars had extended the margin to 37-16, effectively putting the game out of reach before the third period began.
Cha Cha Ratcliff-Calfee led the offensive charge for the Cougars with 14 points. Ellie McDonald backed her up with 13 points. Ellie Russell added 11 points. Palyn Sweet and Raiven Hughes each added nine points. Kaliyah Green scored five. Olivia King and Peyton Harper had four points each. Dayonna Lewis rounded out the scoring with two points.
The Patriots struggled to find a rhythm against the Cougars' defense. Ainsley Gibson led PH with 11 points, including a 5-for-7 showing at the free-throw line. Aleah Lomax contributed nine points, but the team was unable to overcome a cold shooting start that saw them held to single digits in both the first and third quarters.
PC's depth proved to be a decisive factor, as nine different players found the scoresheet. The Cougars' defense was equally disciplined, limiting the Patriots to just five points in a decisive third quarter that pushed the lead to 54-21.
Both teams dealt with foul trouble in a physical contest. The Cougars finished with 15 team fouls, while the Patriots recorded 17.