The LaSalle Lady Tiger basketball team collected wins over St. Mary’s and Montgomery this past week to remain undefeated at 18-0. The Lady Tigers went on the road and picked up win number 17 at St. Mary’s 59-54, then defended their home court against Montgomery 38-36 for win number 18.

On Tuesday night, the Lady Tigers traveled to St. Mary’s to open District 3-1A play. This is always a tough district matchup, as St. Mary’s is always a rival game no matter where it is played. LaSalle never lost the lead or their composure as Kenzie Nino led all scorers with 28 points. Mattie Parham followed with 12 points, Kele Smith and Leanna Womack each added 8 points with Lana Childress adding 3 to finish the scoring for LaSalle.

Although this game was a back-and-forth matchup in a hostile environment, the Lady Tigers never broke. They maintained the “nerves of steel” they have developed over the last three years of playing together. This team has the capacity to make a historic run for LaSalle Lady Tiger Basketball.

On Friday night, the Lady Tigers defended their home court against Montgomery, who entered this contest with a #7 ranking in Division IV basketball. LaSalle has been holding down the #3 ranking. This, on paper, was to be a matchup for the ages. LaSalle, undefeated, and Montgomery, playing their best, gave the packed house some great high school basketball. The Lady Tigers trailed Montgomery early but continued to match Montgomery’s intensity throughout the game. In the start of the fourth quarter, LaSalle was down by a bucket. Montgomery had settled into their offense and could score on the Lady Tiger defense. LaSalle increased the heat on defense and pumped in 14 points of their own to come out victorious 38-36 in front of the packed home crowd.

LaSalle is scheduled to continue District 3-1A play with a game at Logansport before having a non-district game on Friday. LaSalle looks to keep this momentum with a showdown against twotime state champ Northwood-Lena, scheduled for Friday, January 19.

Let’s continue to pack the stands to cheer on these ladies as they are making their way to a district championship. All district games will be brought to you by Tiffany Parham on Sandlot Sports Network, if you can’t make it, but we hope to see you at the games.