BULLARD - The eighth-ranked, Bullard Lady Panthers flexed their muscles and poured it on in the second half to take a 68-49 win over Robert E. Lee on Monday night at the new Panther gymnasium, as Bullard swept all three girls games on opening night.

The Lady Panthers turned up the intensity level and freshman, point guard, Minta Spears led a 15-3, run in the middle of the third period for a big Bullard lead. Spears nailed her fourth of five 3-pointers, and followed that with a steal and a basket to build a 44-29, Bullard advantage.

The Lady Panthers held a narrow two point lead after one period, and found themselves with a 33-27, halftime advantage.

When asked about the difference in the second half, the Lady Panthers head coach, Greg Gay said the girls just picked things up in the second half.

"A little bit more intensity in the second half, and a little bit better job of rebounding," said Gay. "It was our first game and we're not in shape, I only had two of my posts so we really couldn't get into a rotation but I was pleased with their effort, and a win is a win.

"It was a good effort and it being the first game you expect it to be sloppy," Gay added.

Spears also finished off the 33-27, halftime lead with an NBA, 3-pointer, and added in 10 assists, and five steals for the Lady Panthers in the game.

Lamar University-signee, Danielle Heithoff led all scorers in the game with 26 points, nailing 8-of-10 from the free throw line for the Lady Panthers. Heithoff also grabbed 10 rebounds. Ally Covalt nailed two treys for Bullard to total out with nine points. Kayley Welling chipped in six points for Bullard but led all rebounders in the game with 11.

The Lady Red Raiders got a team-high 14 points from Squirtisha Moore, while Brianna Brooks added eight points in a losing effort.

Bullard won the junior varsity game in a nail-biter, 34-33, and the Lady Panthers made it a sweep with a 52-40 win in freshmen action.