Limestone County basketball fans were treated to two close games in the first day of the varsity portion of the Limestone County Tournament.

In the girls game, Tanner defeated Clements 48-43, while in the boys contest, Elkmont defeated Ardmore 51-47.

Tanner’s offense came to life as the fifth-seeded Rattlers outscored the No. 4 seed Colts 16-12 in the final quarter to pull away for a five-point win.

The game was close throughout, with Tanner leading 14-10 after one quarter and 22-21 at halftime. Each team scored 10 points in the third quarter before Tanner pulled away in the final quarter to take the win.

Shauna Fletcher led Tanner with 17 points, while Haley Benford added 11 and Jayla Walton scored eight. Clements was led by Emrey McGill and Abby Craig, who each scored 11 points.

Tanner will take on top-seeded West Limestone at 6:15 p.m. Thursday in the semifinals.

Boys

Elkmont 51, Ardmore 47

Elkmont outscored Ardmore 13-4 in the third quarter to take control and then held on for a four-point victory in Monday night’s first-round game.

Ardmore led 18-10 after one quarter, but Elkmont closed to within 28-26 at halftime. The Red Devils then dominated the third quarter to take a seven-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Ardmore tried to come back in the final period, but Elkmont made just enough shots and free throws to stay in front and advance.

Hunter Broadway, Davis Hobbs and Ryan Boyd each scored 11 points to lead Elkmont, while Ardmore was led by Colton Hardiman with 18 points. Chase Patterson also scored 10 points for the Tigers.

The fourth-seeded Red Devils will take on No. 1 seed East Limestone at 7:45 p.m. Thursday.

Other games

Boys

Sheffield 95, Lindsay Lane 73

Sheffield pulled away in the second half Saturday to take a victory over Lindsay Lane Christian, avenging a loss to the Lions earlier this season.

Sheffield led 37-32 at halftime, but outscored Lindsay Lane 25-19 in the third quarter to take a double digit lead into the fourth quarter before outscoring the Lions 33-21 in the final period.

Tommy Murr led Lindsay Lane with 55 points, while Charlie Morrison chipped in with nine for the Lions.

Sheffield was led by A.J. Cherry with 27 points and Rodney Goodman with 21.

Lindsay Lane is now 14-11 on the season.