The Chillicothe Lady Cavs fell behind 6-2 but then methodically gained control behind a trapping press and solid foul shooting. Chillicothe led 19-17 at intermission and 31-26 after three quarters.
It looked like the Cavs were headed to their first FAC win, until Lady Lion Jeleeya Smith re entered the line up for the final 8 minutes. Smith had 10 points in the first half and played very little in the third quarter.
The 5’9” junior began to break pressure and repeatedly drive to the basket, sometimes beating three and four defenders. Smith scored 12 unanswered points to give the Blue Lions a lead that they would not give up.
Washington CH would outscore the Lady Cavs 20-4 in the final quarter to pull out their second FAC win, with a 46-35 win.
Smith tallied 14 points in the last quarter and wound up with 24 on the night. Six other Lions scored in single digits.
Chillicothe was led by Jacey Harding with 13 points, all in the first three quarters. Emma Fromm added 9 despite foul trouble and Avery Erslan also tallied nine for the Cavs.
Chillicothe wound up 11 of 36 from the floor for 30%, but were just 1 of 9 from the three point line. The Lady Cavs hit 12 of 21 free throws.
The victorious Lady Lions hit 15 of 44 shots for 34%, and were 0-5 from the three point line. Washington CH notched 16 of 29 free throws, including 8 of 12 in the final period.
The Lady Cavs (2-5, 0-4) return to FAC play Monday, hosting Jackson. You can hear the action on 1490 WBEX AM, with tip off around 7:00 PM.