Defense led the way as the Lady Phoenix defeated Chattooga 47-37 Monday night.

“I thought defensively this was one of our best games,” said SHS Head Coach Stephanie Caudell. “They have some kids who can shoot the ball and we did a good job getting a hand in their face and contesting shots.”

Sonoraville fell down early and trailed after the first quarter 13-11. However, The Lady Phoenix defense dominated in the second and third quarters, holding the Lady Indians to five and six points respectively.

“We rebounded the ball pretty well too,” said Caudell. “We had to be strong with it because they are aggressive and physical.”

Sonoraville, on the other hand, ran off 12 points in the second quarter to take a 23-18 lead at the half, and then added 16 more in the third quarter for a 39-24 lead.

Lady Phoenix Noelle Defoor led all scorers with 17 points and she also grabbed six rebounds.

“They [Chattooga] really didn’t have anyone who could defend Noelle one-on-one,” said Caudell. “When we got a lead and they went man that helped us. We were able to get it into her and she was able to finish.”

Both Kailey Vaughn and Brittany Redd netted eight points each. Vaughn added a team high seven rebounds.

“She [Vaughn] has really stepped up for us when Jennilee Gentry tore a ligament in her hand,” said Caudell. She is a smart player and she doesn’t get in a big hurry.”

Redd also had five assists and five steals.

“That is what Brittany needs to do,” said Caudell. “She needs to score when she gets the chance but she needs to lead us in assists and try to get the ball to people when they are open and they can score.”

Morgan Partlow grabbed six rebounds. Payton Smith scored five points and Alicia Ray added four.

Shadow Day led the Lady Indians with 16 points.

The Lady Phoenix are 12-11 overall and 4-4 in the sub-region.