Newton County Academy’s Kelli Hollingsworth steals the ball away from Clarkdale’s Sydney Naiman Thursday night at the Lamar School Christmas Bash tournament.

In the nightcap of the Lamar School Christmas Bash, the Lady Bulldogs of Clarkdale High School got the victory over the Lady Generals of Newton County Academy. The Lady Bulldogs used a strong fourth quarter to get the win by the score of 50-35. 

Both teams played strong defense throughout the first quarter. The Lady Bulldogs used some sharp shooting to build a 9-6 lead at the end of the opening period. 

The Lady Generals got the hot hand during the second quarter, as they outscored the Lady Bulldogs 12-8 to take an 18-17 lead into halftime. 

The Lady Bulldogs were led in scoring at the half by Kendra Cross with nine points. The Lady Generals were led by Kelli Hollingsworth with six points. 

The teams went back and forth during the third quarter. Neither group pulled ahead by more than three points. The Lady Generals were ahead 30-28 with 30 seconds left in the quarter before Lady Bulldog Tanasia Stennis went to the free throw line and calmly sank two free throws to tie the score at 30 headed into the fourth quarter.

The Lady Bulldogs started the fourth by sinking three free throws to pull ahead 33-30. The Lady Bulldogs would not look back as they pulled away. They limited the Lady Generals to just five points in the period. By hitting free throws down the stretch and playing solid defense, the Lady Bulldogs extended the lead to double digits and closed out the victory. 

Clarkdale was led on the night by Jabryia Jones with 13 points. Hollingsworth led Newton County Academy with 14 points. 

Clarkdale will return to action Friday against Central Hinds at 3:15 p.m., while Newton County Academy will play Russell Christian at 2:00 p.m. Both games will be played at Lamar School.