By MICKEL PONTHIEUX / Sports Reporter

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Lady Wildcats used their defense to set up their offense for a 66-51 victory over the Briarwood Christian Lady Lions in the second round of the Shelby County tournament Dec. 20.

The Lady Wildcats started fast with a 9-0 run to take a 12-1 lead midway through the first quarter. Briarwood answered back with a 9-2 run of their own for a 14-10 score headed into the second.

Kalen Starks scored five quick points to start the second to extend the Shelby County lead to 19-10.

Briarwood chipped away at the Lady Wildcats’ lead later in the quarter with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to five, 27-22 with two minutes remaining.

Shelby County closed the half on a 7-4 rally to grab a 34-26 edge at the half.

Hallie Brown hit a 3-pointer to give the Lady Wildcats a 13-point advantage midway through the third. Shelby County took a 47-33 lead late in the third, but the Lady Lions nearly cut the lead in half with a 10-4 run for a 51-43 Shelby County edge.

The Lady Wildcats outscored Briarwood 15-8 in the fourth to seal the win.

Kalen Starks led all scorers with 25 points and Brown added 24 points for the Lady Wildcats.

Hannah Wainwright and Lindy Sumerford each scored 11 points to lead Briarwood. Samantha Swords added 10 points for the Lady Lions.

Shelby County will take on Thompson in the semifinals while Briarwood will face Montevallo in a consolation game.