THOMASTON &045; The A L Johnson Lady Eagles waited until the second half to take control of a close game and pulled out to a 40-30 win over county rival John Essex Lady Hornets, 40-30. It was the first win of the season for the young A L Johnson team.

John Essex led for most of the first quarter, but the Lady Eagles rallied to take the lead with less than two minutes to go in the quarter. A L Johnson closed the first eight minutes of play with an 13-10 advantage. Senior Shannon Steele netted 12 points in the quarter for the Lady Eagles, including six of nine from the free throw line.

Both teams played even in the second quarter of the game as each team scored seven points, as the half ended with a 20-17 score.

John Essex post players were in foul trouble starting the third quarter and A L Johnson took advantage with Steele’s inside scoring. They out scored the Lady Hornets 13-7 in the quarter to pull away to a 33-24 lead.

The Lady Eagle defense held John Essex scoreless the first five minutes of the final quarter, while building a double-digit lead. They led by as much as 14 points with two minutes left to play. It was too much for the Lady Hornets to get back into the game.

Steele led all scorers, finishing with 31 points. Junior Melita Adams topped John Essex with 13 points, including three triples. The Lady Hornets return home Tuesday to host Maplesville.