By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

Jemison’s girls basketball team shook off an early funk and came back for a 30-27 win over Holtville on Monday in a game that was a tune-up for the area tournament.

Host JHS could manage only two points in the first period and trailed, 4-2, going into the second period.

Things weren’t much better in the second and third periods as the Panthers trailed 11-8 and 20-14, respectively.

But in the fourth quarter on Senior Night—the last home game for the team’s seniors—the Panthers came alive.

Shelby Lopez tied the game at 20 on a long jump shot with 6:25 remaining on the clock, and she gave the hosts the lead with 4:45 left when she dribbled into the lane, was fouled in the act of shooting and made one of the ensuing free throws.

Lopez made seven free throws in 10 attempts in the fourth quarter alone, and the Panthers made 12 out of 18 as a team.

Lopez finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Teammate Shayna Robinson had seven points and four steals.

The boys game ended too late to be included in this edition.

The Jemison girls play host Southside-Selma at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Class 4A, Area 6 tournament. If they win, they would play again at 3 p.m. Saturday in the area championship game.

The Jemison boys play host Dallas County at 6 p.m. Friday in the Class 4A, Area 6 tournament. If they win, the Panthers would play again at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 for the area championship.