Dodd City, Texas -- The 2025 Craig Reed Invitational has international flair this year with two boys teams from Australia in the mix, but the tournament tipped off Thursday evening with a contest between two local teams, the Dodd City Lady Hornets and the Sam Rayburn Lady Rebels.

Dodd City took a 5-0 lead on a basket by Gracyn Shindler and a triple by Addison Weeks. Sam Rayburn's Olivia Brooks hit a hoot and a harm to narrow the gap to 5-3. Weeks followed with another three-pointer, giving Dodd City an 8-3 lead after the opening period. 

An inside bucket by Brooks helped the Lady Rebels trim Dodd City's lead to 8-5, but Weeks hit her third triple to stretch the lead to 11-5.

Sam Rayburn's Dixie Chaffin sliced through the lane for two points. Weeks answered with a lay-up. Adisen White drained pair of free throws to give Dodd City a 15-7 advantage. Brooks hit a short jump shot to make the score 15-9 at halftime.

Sam Rayburn's Maddie Gibbs hit a three-point shot to start the second half and whittle Dodd City's lead down to 15-12. Dodd City answered with a 9-0 run. Shindler worked inside for two points, Weeks banked in two points and followed with another basket. Shindler hit a three-pointer and suddenly Dodd City had doubled up on Sam Rayburn, 24-12.

Dodd City had a 29-16 lead after the third quarter en route to a 35-18 victory.

Competition in the boys and girls brackets will continue Friday and Saturday.

photos by Allen Rich