The Cannon County Lionettes got a much needed District 8-AA win at the close of the regular season beating their rival Dekalb County 52-42. Cannon got off to a slow start in Smithville but three downtown bombs from Kristen Hale from behind the three point arc got things going in the right direction and even though Dekalb was able to stay in the game, Cannon used a stretch in the fourth quarter to provide the final cushion they needed to get the win. Kelli Davis led the Lionetttes with 17 points Cannon ends the season 19-9 overall and placed 5th in the final district standings with a 6-8 district record. They will meet the Smith County Lady Owls Friday in the first round of the district tournament which will be played at Cookeville High School. The Cannon County Lions drew an emotional challenge from the Dekalb County Boys Basketball team. With everybody’s position in the district tournament pretty much decided, Dekalb who finished in the 7th place this season stayed in a 2-3 zone most of the night and Cannon had trouble getting into the lane. But it was transition basketball that gave the Lions the opportunity in the second quarter as they took a 7 point lead into halftime. The Lions were able to maintain the lead the rest of the night but it wasn’t an easy win. Cannon came out on top 50-41. Josh Ruehlan led the way with just 13 points Dekalb County’s Justin Bone hit a 3 pointer at the final buzzer which gave him over 1000 points of his high school career. Cannon finishes the regular season 24-5 overall 13-1 in District and they are on an 11 game winning streak. They will move to the semifinal round of the district tournament Saturday at Cookeville High School.
