EARLY – The Bangs Lady Dragons slipped past the Early Lady Horns for a 33-31 victory Tuesday night in the District 8-3A girls basketball opener for both teams.

Bangs jumped out to an 18-7 lead at halftime, but Early rallied thanks to four three-pointers and 20 Lady Dragon turnovers to grab a 28-26 lead midway through the fourth period. Down the stretch, however, the Lady Dragons owned a 7-3 scoring edge, which allowed for the victory.

The Lady Dragons shot 36 percent (12 of 33) from the floor, 13 percent (1 of 8) from the three-point line, and 42 percent (8 of 19) from the charity stripe. The Lady Horns knocked down 26 percent (11 of 43) of their field goals, 31 percent (4 of 13) of their treys, and 42 percent (5 of 12) of their free throws.

Maggie Morales paced Bangs with 13 points trailed by Bailey Mendieta with eight.

For Early, Tatum Reigle led the charge with 18 points followed by Madison Torrez with seven, Gabby Leal with three, Caroline Welker with two and Rileigh Lyon with one point.

Next up for the Lady Dragons (4-6, 1-0) is a home game against Dublin at 6:15 p.m. Friday, while the Lady Horns (2-7, 0-1) travel to Comanche at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

OTHER SCORES

Zephyr Lady Bulldogs 44, Sidney 28

Ballinger 61, Early Longhorns 44

Huckabay 52, Zephyr Bulldogs 20