Seventh-Ranked John Tyler Blanks Whitehouse in Second Half + Rolls to Big Win

WHITEHOUSE -- Seventh-ranked John Tyler used its offense to build a big lead before the defense slammed the door shut.

Eight John Tyler players found the scoring column, and the Lady Lions shut out Whitehouse after halftime in a 71-18 rout in District 16-5A action Tuesday night at Wildcat Arena.

JT (20-2, 2-1) allowed 12 points in the opening quarter and six in the second period, and got better as the game progressed.

"That's what we talked about at halftime, just being as good defensively as we possibly could," said Lady Lions coach Mike Smith. 'The points will take care of themselves. I was really proud of them."

John Tyler sophomore Destini Whitehead led all players with 21 points, and added a pair of steals and two assists. Alyssa Mayfield added 14 points, four boards, and three steals, while Ashtyn Beal finished with 12 points, three steals, and four assists.

Shakendra Tilley chipped in with 11 points, three rebounds, and five steals.

"We always have a hard time at Whitehouse, so it was good that they were focused at the first of the game and really played our game," said Smith, whose team carried a 42-18 lead into the second half.

The offensive production tapered off down the stretch, but JT was able to substitute players liberally in the final two quarters.

"In order for practice to go well everybody needs to play, and they really need to feel like they're part of what's going on," Smith said. "It gave them an opportunity tonight to see how good they really are. We go against each other every day, and it really makes us better. I think all 10 of them are pretty good basketball players."

Brittany Taylor led Whitehouse with six points -- all in the first quarter -- to go along with five rebounds.

Both teams resume district play Friday night. John Tyler hosts Corsicana, while Whitehouse plays at No. 5 Lufkin.

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No. 7 John Tyler 71, Whitehouse 18

District 16-5A Girls Basketball

At Wildcat Arena, Whitehouse

John Tyler             24    18    13    16    --    71
Whitehouse           12      6      0      0    --    18
JOHN TYLER (20-2, 2-1) -- Destini Whitehead, 21; Alyssa Mayfield, 14; Ashtyn Beal, 12; Shakendra Tilley, 11; Kaleigh Hackett, 4; Daz Johnson, 4; Brea Staten, 4; Brea Criss, 1.
WHITEHOUSE (1-3) -- Brittany Taylor, 6; Lexie Gonter, 5; Sydney Malstrom, 3; Margaret Freeman, 2; Chelsea Johnson, 2.
THREE-POINT GOALS -- Whitehouse: Gonter.