Girls Basketball Games to Watch: First Place on the Line in Several Districts

As the first round of district nears its conclusion, there are few teams looking to finish strong by taking over sole possession of first place in their respective leagues.

In 17-2A, No. 19 Tatum (23-2, 6-0) plays to host Elysian Fields (18-7, 6-0) in a matchup of teams who both began the season ranked in the top 25 by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

Tatum is coming off a dominant 60-36 win over White Oak on Tuesday. The Lady Eagles were led by Kiana Turner, who finished with a game-high 21 points to go with five rebounds and two steals.

Elysian Fields enters on the heels of a 60-50 defeat of New Diana on Tuesday. Janice Strange led the way with 20 points, while Chesney Spears and Kaylee Prather combined for 30.

There is currently a three-way tie atop the 14-2A standings between Alba-Golden (19-5, 5-1), Edgewood (16-6, 5-1) and perennial power Winnsboro (16-9, 5-1).

Edgewood plays host to Winnsboro on Friday after the two met three times last season -- twice in district and then in the regional final, where Edgewood came away victoriously and punched a ticket to the state tournament.

Winnsboro cruised past Como-Pickton 75-19, while Edgewood rolled to a 59-37 win over Quitman earlier in the week.

Also in 2A, West Rusk (17-6, 5-1 in 18-2A) goes on the road to face Harmony (11-9, 5-1) with the winner gaining a leg up in the district race.

In Class A Division I, the top-ranked Martin's Mill Lady Mustangs (20-4, 4-0) face a stiff road test at Overton (18-4, 4-0). Martin's Mill is coming off a dominating 69-13 win over Big Sandy, while the Lady Mustangs defeated Harleton 51-49 on Tuesday.

In Class 4A, control of second place in District 16-4A will be at stake when John Tyler (16-9, 1-1) plays at Nacogdoches (16-8, 2-0). The Lady Lions defeated Jacksonville, 43-37, while Nacogdoches overwhelmed Whitehouse 66-36 on Tuesday.