BULLARD - Riding high and walking tall after capturing the McDonald's Brazos Valley All-Star Invitational, the Bullard Lady Panthers flexed their muscles 80-32 win over Palestine on Friday night at Panther Gymnasium.

The varsity game completed a sweep over the Lady Cat's for the first games of the new year as the junior varsity rode the inside play of Ashley Shidler with 22 points for a 51- 33, win.

The freshmen game was a one-sided, one-player dominated affair also for Bullard with Rachel Horton scoring 25 points in a 30-23 first game.

The third-ranked Lady Panthers took control early with a 22-4, first quarter lead as point guard, Minta Spears began a long-distance display, finishing the night with seven, 3-pointers and 25 points. The freshman added eight assists, five steals and three rebounds.

Senior post, Danielle Heithoff was close behind in the point totals with 21 points, adding 12 rebounds.

Senior post/wing, Calli Miller continues to come on strong with another doubledouble performance; joining Heithoff with five straight duo, double-doubles. Miller duplicated ten points and rebounds in a minute-shortened game due to the free substitutions by Coach Gay.

"They have a new head coach and it's hard to get a program turned around in oneyear, but they have always got some good athletes," Gay said about the Palestine squad and head coach, Stephanie Johnson. "Our girl's I think really wanted to make a good showing at home after winning the tournament."

Cruising to a 43-15, halftime lead, head coach Greg Gay tried a various combination throughout the third quarter, and played a guard-based offense to try and slow things up, but the Lady Panthers kept pouring in on,or in may be more appropriate.

A 60-20, third quarter total said it all, and the final grew as Emmy Long, Heather Camp, Samantha Phillips added baskets, and the rest of the Lady Panthers made their respective defensive contributions as everyone played for Bullard.

As the Lady Panthers begin to tune up for district play, the ladies entertained Athens on Tuesday night. For the story, box scores, and action photos, see next week's Banner Sports.