By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

PIEDMONT – In the early stages of their basketball game Thursday, Piedmont’s Lele Ridley was having her way against the Cherokee County Lady Warriors.

Ridley scored nine first-quarter points to give the Lady Bulldogs a 3-point advantage after one.

But when the Lady Warriors finally got their game going, their quickness was too much for Piedmont to handle.

Audrey Haygood sank four 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 21 points in leading Cherokee County to a 58-39 victory.

Mary Hayes Johnson added 11 points for the Lady Warriors (20-7). Ellisan Givens delivered a pair of treys and had 10 points. Ella Garmany finished with five points.

Ridley rang for 18 points to lead the Lady Bulldogs (13-13). Ava Pope popped a pair of 3-pointers and had six points. Melanie Studdard finished with five points.

Piedmont held an 18-15 advantage after one, but the Lady Warriors took a 25-23 lead into the locker room. They extended their advantage to 41-27 after three quarters.

Cherokee County hosts the Class 4A, Area 10 tournament beginning on Feb. 7. The Lady Warriors open against Cleburne County at 5 p.m.

Piedmont has one more regular season game at home against Westbrook Christian on Friday before hosting the Class 3A, Area 11 tournament against Wellborn on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.