Leonard, Texas -- Thanks to a pair of clutch three-pointers by Allie Hale, the Bells Lady Panthers held off a late rally by the Leonard Lady Tigers to earn a three-point win on the road in the District 11-3A opener.

Leonard was on top, 8-5, after the first quarter, but Bells pulled in front, 17-14, at halftime.

As the third period got underway, Leonard's Avery Ross hit the hoop and the harm to make it a one-point game, with Bells holding a 24-23 advantage.  Leonard's Bella Neaville nailed a 15-foot jumper as the Lady Tigers slipped in front, 25-24.

That's when Hale stepped up to hit a pair of triples to give Bells the lead. Bailey Floyd and Avery Taraba both had a pair of free throws down the stretch to give the Lady Panthers a 34-31 win.

Bells will host Pottsboro on Tuesday, January 3, 2025, while Leonard will travel to Blue Ridge.

photos by Allen Rich