Staff Reports

PIEDMONT – Mary Hayes Johnson netted 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, in leading the Cherokee County Lady Warriors to a 49-34 girls basketball victory at Piedmont on Thursday.

Ellisan Givens added 12 points for the Lady Warriors (23-4). Audrey Haygood and Deannia Starr both finished with five points.

Ava Pope topped Piedmont with 16 points, including four treys. Cayla Brothers finished with eight points.

Piedmont led 10-9 at the end of the first quarter, but they Lady Warriors went on a 13-3 run in the second to take a 22-13 edge at halftime. The Lady Warriors increased their lead to 41-24 at the end of the third quarter.

Both teams prepare to host their respective area tournaments this weekend. Piedmont takes on Saks on Friday at 7 p.m. in its Class 3A, Area 11 opener. Cherokee County clashes with Cleburne County on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.