The Athens girls basketball team had a good end of last week, easily winning a road game at Decatur before coming back and winning the first game of the Tiger Thanksgiving Tournament at Hartselle High School.

The Golden Eagles took a dominating victory over Decatur on Thursday, Nov. 16, with the defense leading the way in a 66-22 rout.

The most points Decatur scored in a quarter was 10 points in the first quarter. The Red Raiders were able to score only 12 points the remainder of the game.

Athens’ offense was clicking as well. They rolled to a 34-14 halftime lead before outscoring Decatur 24-5 in the third quarter to turn the game into a runaway.

Stacia Benford led Athens with 13 points, while Jakayla Bridgeforth had 12 and Tatyana Taylor added 10.

Athens kept the momentum going Friday, as the Eagles defeated Colbert County 67-56 in the first game of the Hartselle tournament.

Athens jumped out to a 40-31 halftime lead and held the Indians at bay in the second half. UAH signee Alexis Woods exploded for 29 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Golden Eagles, while Stacia Benford added 12 points. The Golden Eagles improved to 3-0 on the season with the two wins.

Athens boys 43, Decatur 42

The Athens boys are already used to playing close games this season, but after suffering a 1-point loss to Hartselle in their season opener, the Golden Eagles were able to take a 1-point win over Decatur Friday night.

After Decatur took a 2-point lead after one quarter, the Golden Eagles stormed back to outscore the Red Raiders 19-6 in the second quarter and take a 28-17 halftime lead.

The offense dried up for Athens in the second half, scoring only 15 points, but the Athens defense was able to do just enough to hold Decatur off and take the 1-point win.

Chandler Leopard led Athens with 12 points, while Marqueze Bone scored 11 for the Golden Eagles. Decatur was led by Travis Nickerson with 16 points and Stacey Staten with 12.

Athens improved its record to 1-1 on the season.