DALLAS -- John Tyler capitalized on Thursday's buzzer beater to reach the Dallas ISD Holiday Invitational championship game with a win 62-54 win Friday in the final round against upcoming District 11-6A opponent Mesquite Horn.

The Lady Lions (13-6) took control of the game in the first quarter, a 20-12 run through the game's first eight minutes. They owned a 26-23 lead at the break and broke free of Horn for good by winning the third quarter, 15-8.

Destini Whitehead guided John Tyler with 23 points. Jaz Hicks and Alyssa Mayfield also reached double digits with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Mayfield was named the tournament MVP during the postgame award ceremony. Whitehead and Daz Johnson were named to the all-tournament team.

It was a big win for first-year head coach Carlesa Dixon, but the title victory probably was not as emotional as Thursday's semifinal matchup against Dallas Lincoln. Dixon had coached Lincoln the past four seasons, and she won a state championship there as a student.

A Johnson putback in that game with no time left on the clock gave John Tyler a 53-51 decision.

Dixon's current team also defeated Dallas Roosevelt, Lancaster and Dallas Parish Episcopal at the tournament.

John Tyler, which has a 3-0 league record, will resume 11-6A competition Tuesday when it travels to Rockwall.

Horn will visit the Lions Den on Jan. 10. The Lady Lions and Horn will play a second district game against each other at Horn's place later this season.

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