High School Sports

By LAUREN GROVER
Staff Writer

WHITEHOUSE - The Whitehouse LadyCats swept Hallsville's Bobcats Friday night 25-19, 25-22, 25-22 in an effort to steal the defending district champion's crown.

Both teams are now 13-1 in District 12-4A, and they've only lost in the district to each other.

The catfight began last month when Hallsville swept Whitehouse at the Bobcats' gym through momentum and strong blocks, said Whitehouse head coach Cheryl Till.

But armed with a tweaked offensive strategy, the LadyCats hit the floor Friday night with fire.

"Since we lost at Hallsville, it's pretty much been a battle cry that over here it's going to be a different story," Till said. "And a large part of that is senior leadership."

LadyCat seniors Jordan Knight, Katy Kidwell and Joanna Blake have donned varsity letters since their sophomore years and bring an experienced chemistry to the court, Till said.

Kidwell led the match with 13 kills, Knight with 17 digs and Blake with 24 assists.

Hallsville's Regan Peck had 9 kills and Shelby Gideon had 18 assists.

Whitehouse and Hallsville will likely match up Tuesday in a playoff match to decide the district victor, both head coaches said.

The bi-district playoffs begin Friday.

"This is about mind and momentum at this point," said Cheryl Bell, Hallsville's head coach, "and who's got it at the right time."

Till said a building rivalry between the LadyCats and Hallsville began four years ago when Whitehouse entered the district - their other top competition includes Pine Tree and Henderson.

"It's getting more competitive overall," Till said. "It's good to play these quality teams right here in our district."