EASTERN - Allen Central returned to its home hardwood Thursday night and welcomed in perennial 15th Region contender Johnson Central. In the non-district girls' basketball clash, host Allen Central fell behind in the first period, but eventually recovered and outscored Johnson Central in both the second and third periods. Johnson Central's quick-start first quarter, however, hindered Allen Central. The visiting Lady Eagles jumped on Allen Central early on and led the Lady Rebels 20-7 at the end of the first quarter. Johnson Central was able to make its early lead stick and finish strong, beating Allen Central 49-41.

Freshman Emily Wireman led Johnson Central with a game-high 17 points. The balanced Lady Eagle scoring effort featured seven different scorers with Wireman being the only player in double figures in the scoring department. Freshman Hayley Meek added nine points for the Lady Eagles.

Johnson Central entered halftime with a 28-19 lead. Allen Central was able to cut the Lady Eagle lead down to just a four-point advantage (38-34) by the third quarter's end.

Seniors Amanda Mills and Alanna Cline led Allen Central with 15 points apiece. Mara Biliter had five points, Sara Johnson four and Liz Dingus two for the Lady Rebels.

Senior Chessi Griffith and freshman Chelsey Salyers added six points apiece for the Lady Eagles.

The loss was Allen Central's seventh straight. The Lady Rebels, however, have shown considerable improvement in their last two outings. On Monday, East Ridge edged Allen Central 67-65 in another game in which the Lady Rebels flirted with victory.

East Ridge 64,

Betsy Layne 54:

At East Ridge Thursday night, Betsy Layne got off to the best start, leading East Ridge at the end of each of the first two quarters. But the Lady Warriors finished strong, holding Betsy Layne to 19 points in the second half.

Courtney Conley led East Ridge with a game-high 22 points. Brittany Hogston added 12 points and Lucy Belcher chipped in with 10 as the Lady Warriors pulled away.

Candice Meade led Betsy Layne with 19 points. Megan Hamilton added 13 points for the Ladycats.

Betsy Layne took a 33-29 lead over East Ridge into halftime.

On Monday, visiting Perry County Central dealt Betsy Layne a 64-52 loss. Lawson (19), Meade (17) and Hamilton (11) were all in double figures for the Ladycats in the Perry Central game.

Betsy Layne connected on seven three-point field goals in the loss to the Lady Commodores.

This week, Betsy Layne will play host to the 15th Region Girls' All “A” Classic.