Lady Tigers win 24-3A opener
Vernequa Taylor pours in 26 points
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Mike Konvicka Brionna Farr reaches high to grab the basketball in a recent home game against Hempstead. The Lady Tigers beat Sweeny 66-54 Tuesday in their District 24-3A opener.

SWEENY - Wharton's girls basketball team handed Sweeny its first loss of the season with a convincing 65-54 decision in their District 24-3A opener Tuesday night in Bulldog Gymnasium.

Both teams score 15 points in the first quarter but Wharton took control in the second, going up 32-23.

Down by 18 points, 45-27, midway through the third quarter, Sweeny went on a an 11-2 run to finish out the quarter and narrowed the margin to 47-38.

Sweeny's Mariana Flores hit jumper to open the final quarter and the Lady Bulldogs were back to within seven at 47-40.

Wharton broke the ice with a steal and layup from speedy junior guard Vernequa Taylor, who led all scorers with 26 points.

But Sweeny's Ashley Bonner and Flores connected to make it a 49-44.

That is when Taylor and Jalessa Jones put it into overdrive.

Two straight drives off steals by Taylor and a pair of free throws and a layup by Jones helped the visitors push the lead back to 13 points at 57-44. Jones finished with 14 points.

Sweeny's Ashley Bonner responded with two layups to cut the margin to 57-48

But the Lady Tigers countered with layups off steals from Jones and Taylor.

Down by a 61-50 count, Sweeny pulled within seven, 61-54 on a drive down the lane by Chris Holmes.

Wharton closed out its victory march with a pair of baskets.

Sweeny was guilty of 23 turnovers on the night while the visitors gave away the roundball 19 times.

Desurae Matthews contributed with nine points for the Lady Tigers.

Chandra Johnson added eight, Latoy Lavan scored four and Shaniqua Dogins had two.

Johnson pulled down 13 rebounds, Jones and Taylor had seven each and Lavan had five.

Taylor also had five assists and Matthews had four

Bonner finished out the contest with 22 points and raked the backboards for a game-high 15 rebounds to lead the Lady Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Flores closed out with 12 points and six boards.

Chris Holmes punched in 11 points and five boards.

Jackie Franklin had four points and eight rebounds for Sweeny.

In the other three district games, Royal beat Sealy 61-18, Stafford bested Columbus 34-22 and Columbus beat Needville 74-76.

Wharton plays it's fourth straight road game Tuesday against Royal in Brookshire.

JV posts 44-37 win

Wharton's junior varsity beat Sweeny 44-37 in the sub-varsity district opener and improved to 4-3 on the season.

Crystal Campbell led the Lady Tigers with 13 points.

Sessely Grant contributed with 11 points. Brianna Farr finished with nine and Kencheria Phynon added seven.

Phynon also had six rebounds. Marshay Shelton and Campbell had five each.

Farr had four assists and Phynon had two.

The Lady Tigers visit Columbus next Friday before hosting Columbia on Dec. 18.

Editor's Note: Brazsosport Facts reporter Butch McReynolds contributed to this story.

24-3A Standings

Teams
Wharton	(3-3)	1	0	.1000
Stafford	(3-8)	1	0	.1000
Royal	(7-1)	1	0	.1000
Columbia	(10-1)	1	0	.1000
Columbus (2-5)		0	1	.000
Sweeny	(6-1)	0	1	.000
Needville	(3-5)	0	1	.000
Sealy	(4-5)	0	1	.000

Tuesday's Results
Wharton 65, Sweeny 54
Royal 61, Sealy 18
Stafford 34, Columbus 22
Columbus 74, Needville 66
Dec. 11 Games
Wharton at Royal, 7:30 p.m.
Sweeny at Needville, 7:30 p.m.
Columbus at Sealy, 7:30 p.m.
Stafford at Columbia, 7:30 p.m.