By By Chandler Myers
The Lady Cougars of Canoe ended their regular season with the biggest win of all as they defeated the No. 3 Fort Dale Lady Eagles 69-54 Monday night as the team celebrated Senior Night.
The No. 10 Lady Cougars (18-5, 9-3) used their press defense as an advantage to build an early lead that they were able to hold throughout the game.
Junior forward Amber Huskey led the Lady Cougars with a double-double recording 28 points and 11 rebounds. Huskey also posted seven steals, two blocks and one assist in the win.
In the first quarter, the Lady Cougars dominated the Lady Eagles on both ends of the court as their press defense allowed them to outscore Fort Dale 24-10.
The Lady Cougars held strong in the second period despite more offense from the Lady Eagles as they again outscored the visitors 15-14.
At halftime, the Lady Cougars led 39-24.
Following halftime, the Eagles attempted to swing momentum in their favor, but could not get close to the Lady Cougars.
In the third quarter, Fort Dale found some offensive success as they outscored the Lady Cougars 18-14.
Escambia Academy pushed the game out of reach in the fourth quarter with a 16-point outburst, while holding the Lady Eagles to 12 points to pick up the 15-point win.
Lady Cougars Head Coach Heath Gibson said his team played strong on offense and defense.
Senior center Jordan Jaye finished her home career as a Lady Cougar on a highnote as she recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. She also posted three steals, three blocks and two assists.
Junior forward Taylor Helton added seven points with 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks.
Lady Cougars senior guard Kay Leigh Miller scored four points to along with five steals, four assists and two rebounds in her final home game.
The Lady Cougars open up the AISA region tournament Thursday at 3 p.m. against the Meadowview Lady Trojans at the Marion Military Institute.