Lady Canes win tourney opener in OT

The Cartersville girls won their opening round game at the 66th annual Seven Hills Rotary / Rome News-Tribune Christmas Tournament Monday, outlasting Armuchee in overtime 52-47.

Ariana Cochran scored five of the Lady Canes’ nine points in overtime. She finished with seven points for the game and also dished out eight assist

Cartersville led 12-7 after one quarter and held a 23-19 advantage at halftime before Armuchee grabbed a 31-28 lead after three quarters. The game went to overtime tied 43-43.

Naijah Evans led all scorers in the game with 11 points for Cartersville. Cio Seigler followed with 10. Lehla Thomas (photo) posted nine points. Jakaya Draughn scored eight and Kierra Milline added five points in the Lady Canes’ balanced scoring attack.

Julia Williams and Olivia Moses paced Armuchee with 10 points each. Ariona Dozier score eight for the Indians who slipped to 5-6.

The Lady Canes (3-2) advance to the tournament semifinals Tuesday night at 5:30 at Georgia Highlands College to take on Class AAAAA 5th-ranked Rome.

Rome (9-0) defeated Coosa Monday in the opening round 65-24.