Staff Reports

ALEXANDRIA – Ace Austin scored 14 of her game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter, propelling the Spring Garden Lady Panthers past Cherokee County 48-37 to win the Champions Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament in Alexandria on Tuesday.

Austin went 12 of 16 from the free-throw line for the Lady Panthers (4-0), including 7 of 10 from the charity stripe in the final quarter. The Alabama signee also had seven rebounds, four steals, two blocks and an assist.

Maggie Jarrett added six points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal for Spring Garden.

Nevaeh Gaidurgis led Cherokee County (3-1) with 10 points. Deannia Starr tossed in eight points, Jolie Alexander added six points. Libby Curry and Ellisan Givens both finished with five points.

The Lady Warriors led 16-15 at halftime. Spring Garden took a 31-25 edge at the end of three quarters. The Lady Panthers outscored Cherokee County 17-12 in the fourth for the final.