Photo by Morgen Orr BC's Shanique Brown drives past Dreher's Janai Wiggins. Using a stifling defense in the third quarter and behind freshman Taylor Vinson's game- high 20 points, Brookland- Cayce came from behind to beat Dreher January 16, 52- 46. The Lady Bearcats went from disheveled in the first half to down right dominant in the third quarter to earn the Region V- 3A victory.

Early on, Tequila McNeal and Shakeina Smith in particular stretched the court and gave the Blue Devils an early lead. B- C could not shake the Dreher zone press and rushed shots. Dreher led 12- 8 after one.

The Lady Bearcats continued to launch three- pointers in the second quarter but largely without effect. The long rebounds gave Dreher more opportunities in the open floor, and McNeal added six more points in the quarter. But late in the half, Vinson started scoring and then finally a three- pointer went in for the Lady Bearcats.

Asia Benn's long- range shot gave B- C a brief 19- 18 lead after trailing the entire first half. McNeal made one final great play to end the half for Dreher though, passing from the seat of her pants to Emily Newton who drained a buzzer- beating jump shot to give Dreher a 22- 20 lead at half.

The third quarter was all B- C as Vinson erupted for seven points, including the first five of the quarter. The Lady Bearcats introduced a press of their own, throwing Dreher off and forcing turnovers. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils were ice cold, unable to make any shots. The B- C interior defense played a large part in the cold streak for Dreher as Corteastia Taylor and Shanique Brown blocked shots and were strong on the defensive glass. Dreher could muster just two points in the third as B- C opened a 31- 24 lead.

Smith opened the fourth quarter with a three- pointer for Dreher and the drought was over for the Blue Devils. Both teams nearly doubled their total point production from the first three quarters in the fourth. Dreher got six points each from Smith, McNeal, and Newton while B- C got at least five from Vinson and Benn.

B- C was able to break the Dreher press and score on fast breaks while Dreher cut through the Lady Bearcat zone with dribble penetration. Ultimately, the backand forth battle was sealed for B- C when Vinson made a driving lay up with just 30 seconds left to give Brookland- Cayce its final margin of 52- 46.