NEAL EMBRY / For the Reporter

 COLUMBIANA- Despite an impressive rally late in the game, the Shelby County Lady Wildcats fell to the visiting Lady Eagles of Calera 48-37 in a Tuesday, Jan. 27 night game.

The Lady Eagles began the game on a 9-0 run, not allowing a basket for the first five and a half minutes of play.   Calera’s defense was able to force the Wildcats away from the basket, leading to turnovers and offensive opportunities for the Eagles.

Charley Clark paced the Eagles attack, leading all scorers with 16 points, as well as adding six rebounds.

Shelby County was able to stay in the game by forcing turnovers and holding Calera point guard Tyesha Haynes to just three points in the first half. Haynes finished with eight points and eight rebounds.

In the second quarter, the Eagles stretched their lead by rebounding well and continuing to force poor shots. Shelby County was held to just four points, all four of which came from the free throw line, in the second quarter.

After trailing 21-10 going into the break, the Wildcats came out firing in the third quarter. Shelby County hit three three-pointers in the third quarter to cut the lead to five going into the last eight minutes.

In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats came within three. Unfortunately for the home team, that was as close as they would get, as the Eagles finished the game on a 12-4 run to seal the victory.

Marjorie Head led the Wildcats with 13 points, eight rebounds and two steals.

“We didn’t play as well as we could have, but we were fortunate enough to come away with a victory,” Calera coach James Knowles said.