Aggressive Lady Bulldogs hip checked by Bells, rebound against VA

The Howe Lady Bulldogs (19-9, 91) moved up to the 16 spot in the Class 3A TABC rankings

However, Tuesday night didn't go as planned at Bells As fouls racked up and players exited the game, it came down to each team's bench in the final moments of the game As it turned out, Howe was able to outpace the Lady Panthers 20-12 in the final period, but it wasn't enough to overcome a 20-9 run by Bells earlier before the half Bells took the win, 67-65

In the fourth, Howe lost starters Calley Vick and Jenna Honore to fouls while Ally Harvey and Cassidy Anderson each played with four

Harvey had the big night in the losing effort as she poured in 18 points and 16 rebounds Anderson also racked up 18 points as the sharp-shooter shot 70 percent from the field including three well-timed 3-pointers

Other scorers were Honore (7), Sierra Copeland (7), Molly Wilson (6), Katie Grogan (6), Vick (2), and Gianna Henry (1)

On Friday night, Howe looked like the team ranked 16 in the state Ally Harvey had an enormous night with 22 points and 12 rebounds The girls raced out to a 16-14 lead to end the first period Unlike Tuesday night, it was Howe that dominated the second period and outpaced Van Alstyne 11-5 to hit the dressing room with at 29-20 lead

Van Alstyne scored 15 points in the third, but Howe kept pushing the floor and scored 18 For the second straight game, the Lady Bulldogs played the final minutes of the game without two starters on the floor which made for a nail-biting finish Anderson fouled out with six minutes remaining and while spectators understand her offensive presence, it's her defensive presence that makes her most valuable on the floor in crucial minutes Already without Anderson, Honore left the game in the final two minutes with a knee injury (not reported to be serious) Howe led by 11 with when Anderson left the game, but the lead dwindled to three at one point With the Lady Panthers chipping away at the Howe lead, a foul sent Harvey to the line where she drilled both foul shots to keep Howe on pace The Howe girls pulled out the victory, 55-45

Howe is off Tuesday and will play Friday at Leonard.