nergy and pressure secured an area basketball title for the Lady Bulldogs as they defeated the DeKalb Lady Bears 49-19 last Thursday, Feb. 13 in Pittsburg.

The Lady Bulldogs weathered a slow and deliberate pace of play in the opening quarter and broke the game open in the second quarter by driving to the basket. 

A baseline drive by Addison Sapp was followed by a 3-point play on a drive by Sadie Vander Schaaf. Annabelle Popek put Quitman up by ten points when she took an assist from Autumn Cason and made a beautiful bank shot from the paint. Addison Sapp then drove the length of the court to score and retain that 10-point lead at the half.  

The Lady Bears had a brief passage of play which indicated they might rally as the second half commenced, but Quitman simply out-hustled them. The energy level of the Lady Bulldogs was as high as it has been all season. 

Quitman’s pressure plagued the Lady Bears throughout the game. However, it was Quitman’s offensive pressure in driving to the basket which won this title.  

The Lady Bulldogs tallied only two 3-point shots, both courtesy of Kaylin Sapp. Quitman scored inside on opportunities generated from defensive pressure and alert offensive play. Quitman was especially adept at both exploiting the baseline as well as getting the ball quickly to the backside.

Addison Sapp led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points. Vander Schaaf added 11 and Kaylin Sapp 10. Popek, Allie Berry, Cason, Lynlee Taylor and Payton Spears also contributed to the score line. 

It is said that anything can happen in the playoffs. At the moment that certainly holds true for the Lady Bulldogs, as they are playing their best basketball of the year.

Next up is the regional tournament in Kaufman Friday and Saturday.

Quitman plays the second of two games Friday, versus Bells, about 8 p.m.

The winner advances to Saturday’s regional final at 11 a.m. against Tatum or Paradise, who play at 6 p.m. Friday.