By DREW GRANTHUM/For the Reporter

COLUMBIANA — The Shelby County High girls basketball team got out to an early lead over county rival Vincent Jan. 9 and never looked back, taking a 43-25 win.

The Wildcats started the game on a 7-4 run and closed out the half with a 8-2 run courtesy of Kara Goodwin and Sara Nash. After one quarter of play, Shelby County led the Yellow Jackets 15-6.

Vincent opened up the second quarter with three points courtesy of free throws from Quinessa Crawford. After a referee’s timeout for a bizarre incident where a fan accidentally popcorn spilled on the court, the Wildcats went on an 8-6 run to take a 27-15 lead headed into halftime.

Coming out of the half, Vincent appeared to make a run to get back in the game. Baskets by Crawford and Mikia Lathon brought the Jackets within seven at 29-22, but a 6-0 run to close out the quarter gave Shelby County a 35-22 lead headed into the fourth.

Jameia White started off the fourth with a Vincent basket, but Nash hit a three for Shelby County to extend the Wildcats’ lead to 38-24. Marjorie Head hit a shot late in the fourth to increase the lead to 41-24, while Jasmine Banks’ free throw brought the score to 41-25. Amber Johnson’s basket as time ran down capped of the 43-25 win for Shelby County.

Head coach Ashley Phillips said the win was important for his young team’s confidence.

“It was a big win,” he said. “It’s nice to get to get a win. It was a hard-fought game. I thought Vincent played well. It gives us a little confidence.”

Stats were unavailable at press time, and the Wildcats will face Thompson Jan. 10 at home.