Monitor Photo/Kaylee Tracy
Mabank sophomore Kalli Smith goes in for a successful shot for the Lady Panthers.

MABANK–The Mabank Lady Panthers fell to the Athens Lady Hornets Jan.17, 32-28, placing Mabank at 10-11 overall and 1-4 in district.
The first quarter had only a few shots from both teams, but featured a large amount of back-and-forth between the Lady Panthers and the Lady Hornets, leading into the second quarter with Athens leading, 10-7.
The second quarter started with Mabank sophomore Jada Searcy dribbling down the court, passing the ball to senior Brooklyn Roberts, who strategically handed it off to junior Bailey Litchfield, who made an impressive layup for the Lady Panthers.
Lady Panthers junior Jacie Jones also made a second-quarter 3-point shot. With 30 seconds remaining before halftime, Searcy followed with an additional 3-pointer for the Lady Panthers, tying the score at 20.
With 4:50 left in the fourth quarter, junior Taylor Granger made a shot, then  Searcy followed with a successful 3-pointer, getting the Lady Panthers within three points, at 28-25.
With less than 2 minutes remaining in the game, Searcy shot for another three points, then Mabank battled to tie Athens’ score of 30, or win with an additional 3-pointer. Nevertheless, the Lady Panthers fell short, the game finishing with Athens scoring another point against the Lady Panthers and securing their victory.