By BRANDON SUMRALL / Special to the Reporter

JEMISON – Thanks to multiple points in transition behind a smothering defense, the Calera Eagles jumped out to a big first half lead and never looked back on their way to a 59-27 win over the Panthers on Tuesday at Alton Cobb Gymnasium.

A tough first half filled with turnovers for the Panthers allowed the Eagles to go to the locker room sporting a 32-15 lead.

The up-tempo style of the Eagles continued into the start of the third period as Calera started the period with back-to-back baskets but was answered by baskets from Kiara Steele and Karmen Mims.

The two teams continued to go basket for basket until a Charley Clark basket kicked off a 6-0 run for Calera to give the Eagles a 54-25 lead at the end of the third.

Tylana Wimberley sank a free throw to put Calera up 30 to start the fourth quarter with a running clock.

Erristen Evans sank the only fourth quarter basket for the Panthers, as the Eagles cruised to a 59-27 win.

Steele led the Panthers with 15 points while Tyesha Haynes added 16 for Calera.