LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
PARIS—With the weather wreaking havoc on basketball schedules throughout the state early last week, the Paris Lady Tigers were only able to get one game in the books—and what a game it turned out to be.
The Lady Tigers built an early lead against the Mt. Zion Lady Braves on Thursday, Jan. 9, then held on for dear life in the final minutes to escape with a 49-42 win on their home court. Paris improves to 12-4 overall and 2-0 in the Little Illini Conference.
A sizeable crowd welcomed the Lady Tigers back to Paris Cooperative High School for their first home game of 2025. Paris doubled up the Lady Braves in the first quarter 16-8 before opening up a 14-point lead at intermission, 26-12. Mt. Zion nearly cut the lead in half in the third quarter to trail 35-27, getting within four points in the closing minutes.
The Braves used their size and athleticism to pester the Tigers in the halfcourt, picking up several turnovers and converting them to points on the other end. Ultimately, the Tigers regained composure to secure the seven-point victory.
Leading the way for the Lady Tigers was Graci Watson with 12 points, including a trio of three-pointers. Kilee Edwards sank a pair of threes on her way to 10 points.
Macy Bicknell recorded nine points to go along with four steals. Morgan Coombes scored eight points and pulled down six rebounds. Kailey Young had her usual all-around game with four points, seven assists and three steals in the contest. Paedyn Keys finished with three points, Jacie Young added two and Pailynne Camp knocked down a free throw.
The Lady Tigers hit the road for their longest stretch of away games this season beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15. Paris traveled to Effingham to battle the Hearts. Stats from that game were unavailable before press time.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, the Little Illini Conference tournament begins play at Olney High School. Paris earned the number-two seed and will face the Casey-Westfield Warriors at 4 p.m.