Grayson County’s Lady Cougars returned to action Thursday night after a long layoff and turned in a dominating performance at Whitesville as they defeated the Lady Raiders 70-18.

The win was the Lady Cougars’ seventh in a row and tenth of their last 11 games. They now stand at 17-6 for the season.

Whitesville (2-17) was never in the game as the Lady Cougars scored the first 10 points, then went on to take a 21-6 lead at the end of the first period.

The Lady Raiders were unable to handle the Lady Cougars’ pressing defense. Though the Lady Cougars stopped pressing full-court after the first period, they were still able to trap the Lady Raider guards in double-teams near the half-court line. Grayson County forced 12 turnovers in each of the first two periods, 16 of which came off of steals. Grayson County finished with nine players who had at least three steals in the game.

Grayson County thoroughly dominated, especially in the second quarter when they held Whitesville scoreless and took a 30-point lead, 36-6 at the half. They led 61-13 heading into the fourth quarter.

Head coach Brad Johnson emptied his bench in the second half, giving everyone who suited up the chance to see action. He always kept at least one varsity starter on the floor to lend experience to his younger players.

That move allowed 10 players to reach the scoring column for Grayson County, led by senior Shelbi Tyra’s 23 points, which included three three-pointers. Tyra is showing little evidence of the illness that caused her to miss nine game during the holiday season. In addition to the points, Tyra added eight rebounds, three assists and four steals.

Sara Taylor was the only other Lady Cougar in double figures, finishing with a pair of treys for 10 points. Three others scored eight points apiece: Chelsea Pharris added seven rebounds and three steals, while Kylee Gorby had three assists and five steals. Moriah Ashley came off the bench to give the Lady Cougars a big night. Ashley just missed a double double with eight points and 11 rebounds, but she also had two assists and three steals.

Halee Johnston scored five points, Kaylan Shull had three, Deanna Raley and Kailea Gill had two each and Breanna Fulkerson added one to round out the scoring.

Alex Crowe did not score, but had five rebounds, led the team with six assists, and added four steals to a fine night’s work.

The Cougars will play Webster County (16-5) at Hopkins County Central on Saturday at 1 p.m. On Monday, they will host Daviess County (17-4) who figures to be one of the toughest regional opponents the Lady Cougars will face if they hope to capture their first-ever regional title.