The Fairfield Lady Eagles dominated their first two playoff opponents to advance to their regional quarterfinal, one step from the Region III tournament.
The bi-district round was in Rusk against the Center Lady Riders. Fairfield jumped out to a 39-13 halftime lead and continued the domination throughout the contest. Ta’Yalla Simpson and Emori Davis hit three pointers and Breyunna Dowell and Braden Bossier scored inside for a 17-6 lead for the first period. They would add several points on a couple of 8-0 runs to extend the lead. Belle Johnson hit a three and Shadasia Brackens scored late in the first half.
Fairfield went into a scoring drought in the first moments of the second half but Center could not draw any closer. Simpson had a follow on a missed shot and Bossier added a shot and was fouled and then followed on a missed three-pointer. Bossier added a three in the first minute of the fourth quarter and Shadasia Brackens had a steal and a score. The scoring from the field came on a three pointer by Anayiah Larkin.
Fairfield hit four of 15 free throws in the first half, and helped that cause by nailing eight of 12 in the second half. Bossier scored 21 points and pulled down ten rebounds and Simpson added 11 points.
The area round game was against the Robinson Rockettes at Midlothian Heritage High School and the Lady Eagles dominated the game early and weather an attempted come back for a 62-38 win.
Fairfield leaped out to a 10-0 lead with Bossier and Johnson scoring along with Jada Clark with a short jumper. McKinna Brackens passed to Clark for a second score in the first period for a 16-4 lead in the first quarter. Robinson calmed down and cut into the lead in the second period with a three pointer from Emily Harris and a pair of tough shots made by Brook Ashcraft. The shaved six points off the lead and trailed the Lady Eagles 24-18 at the half.
Clark scored on the first two possessions of the second half and Bossier led the way as the Lady Eagles scored on six of seven possessions with a three pointer from Jarahle Daniels and three consecutive scores from Dowell. Dowell passed to McKinna Brackens for a score and a 25 point period and extended the lead to 49-30. The teams continued trade scores to the end of the game and the Lady Eagles won the game 62-38.
Bossier led the way with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Fairfield will advance to the third round of the playoffs with a game against the China Spring Lady Cougars. The game is set for a 6:00 p.m. tipoff at Hearne High School.
(Sports Photography by Melissa Lee)
