It's Denison Next

Lions, Lady Lions prepare for 13-4A games
January 19, 2011

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

Denison's next up on the District 13-4A basketball schedule for the Greenville Lions and Lady Lions tonight.

The 5-18 Lions, who are 1-3 in district play, will entertain the 7-15 Yellow Jackets. The freshman contest starts first at 5 p.m., followed by the junior varsity and varsity.

The 7-16 Lady Lions, who are 1-5 in district play, will travel to Denison to face the 4-22 Lady Jackets at about 7:30, following the 5 p.m. freshman contest and then the junior varsity game.

Greenville's Lions are hoping to avoid a slow start as has happened to them in some of their losses this season, including a 59-43 decision to Royse City on Friday.

"We started the game out 20-5 (behind) and kind of woke up in the second quarter," said Lions coach Marcus Smith.

Greenville outscored Royse City 16-15 and 14-9 over the next two quarters but then gave way in the final period.

Dartannon Wilson led the Lions with 17 points. Freshman Oshay Carter was next with eight points.

Denison is 2-2 in district play following a 49-40 win on Friday over rival Sherman. Daniel Batey paced the Yellow Jackets with 22 points and Jon Bassett added 15.

The Lady Lions lost their last game 60-38 to Royse City. The Lady Lions hung tough for a quarter before giving way as Royse City outscored them 15-10, 15-5 and 15-10 over the last three quarters.

Aubrey Tucker led the Lady Lions with 10 points, Shanterria Riley pitched in nine and Ashley Abbott added eight.

Denison is 0-6 in district play following a 64-33 loss to Sherman. Icis Finley led Denison with 20 points and Mariaha Scally added six.

The Lady Lions' only district win was by a 46-30 margin over Denison in Greenville on Dec. 14. Riley had a big game for the Lady Lions with 16 points and Mackenzie Cooper added 10.