By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Sports Editor

PELHAM – The Lady Eagles used a 16-2 first half to take down Pelham 52-30 on the road on Tuesday, Dec. 13. After losing back-to-back games to Thompson and Helena, Oak Mountain has now won two consecutive games over Vestavia and Pelham. Neither of those teams is the best of teams, but its uplifting for the Eagles to get some confidence back after starting the season 4-0.

Not only did Oak Mountain (6-2) use a strong defensive effort in the first quarter, but they got an impressive performance from Jacoby Sims as well. Sims knocked down four 3-pointers in the quarter for 12 of her game-high 20 points. That was easily enough to run away in the first as they held Pelham to zero made baskets and just two made free throws.

The second quarter was a much more even contest as four players scored for Pelham and five scored for the Eagles as they battled back-and-forth to a 14-11 quarter taken by the Panthers. Oak Mountain led at the half 27-16, but Pelham had at least chipped away at the lead enough to get back in the game.

Coming out of the halftime break, both teams were a little sluggish. They combined for just five made field goals and 18 points as the Eagles outscored the Panthers 10-8 and extend their lead to 37-24 heading to the fourth.

Pelham went on a 4-0 run early in the last frame, but that was as close as they would get. The Lady Eagles ended the game on a 12-2 run to seal the easy 22-pont win.

Eight players scored for Oak Mountain in the game with Sims’ 20 leading the way. Rory added eight points for the Eagles, while Fuller and Cassady Greenwood added seven a piece.

Pelham had six different girls score, but none had double digits in the game. Jamila Wilson led the way with nine, while Angel Smith added eight. The loss moved Pelham to 0-13 on the season, but having watched many of their games they are slowly learning and getting better on the offensive end. They also only have two seniors on the team and are led mainly by several juniors and sophomores.

The win for the Eagles is exactly what they needed to build up some confidence as they head into the holiday tournament part of the schedule in the next couple of weeks.