The Athens girls went cold in the second half against top-ranked Deshler in a 79-70 loss Thursday in the semifinals of the Keith Davis Memorial Christmas Tournament at Lauderdale County High School.

The Golden Eagles led at halftime, but went scoreless for more than five minutes in the third quarter, which allowed Deshler to take control.

“I think that third quarter lull hurt us,” said Athens head coach Eddie Murphree. “I think that’s probably the difference in the game. It was a bad run, but we did keep playing hard defensively during that lull. So that kept us in it.”

Athens kept its defensive intensity up throughout the game, which kept Deshler within a couple of possessions, despite the scoring drought.

In the final seconds of the third quarter, Alaina Taylor stole an inbound pass and Barbara Anderson drained a 3-pointer from long range that allowed Athens to pull within three entering the fourth quarter.

Deshler responded with a couple of key 3-pointers in the fourth to keep a comfortable lead.

The top-ranked team in 4A was able to beat Athens’ full-court late in the game, something few other teams have done this season.

“That was a good game to watch as a fan,” said Murphree. “I’m proud of our girls. They are just depleted right now.”

Alexis Woods led Athens with 18 points and made five of six free throws in the fourth quarter. In total, 10 Athens players scored at least three points, including Japera Harris, who was second on the team with 11.

Deshler, meanwhile, had four players combine for 72 points, led by Taylor Aikerson’s 25. Karliegh Sledge added 18 for Deshler while Nicole Shirley chipped in 14.

Athens played Loretto, Tennessee, Friday to determine third place in the tournament.

Hatton Christmas Tournament

Clements girls team won a pair of games Thursday in the Hatton Christmas Tournament.

A fast start in both games allowed Clements to claim victories over Russellville, 52-24, and East Lawrence, 66-60.

Lele Anderson, Lily Miller and Keiara Redus combined for 38 points as the Colts held Russellville to three points in the final quarter.

Anderson led the way with 14 points while Miller added 13 and Redus had 11.

Clements carried that momentum into the East Lawrence game, jumping out to a 24-8 lead. Alaura Harvell scored a team-high 16 points for Clements while Miller and Colee Gordon each scored 15.

Anna Kate Segars scored a game-high 27 points for East Lawrence.