By Daniel Green  |  BWS Sports

SIMPSON — A couple of weeks ago, the Evans Lady Eagles almost turned District 3-C on its ear, falling by just one point to the three-time defending state champion Hicks Lady Pirates.

But this time around was a different story.

The Lady Pirates rode a sensational defensive effort and a powerhouse performance by Shyanne Phillips to a 71-37 win over the Lady Eagles on Tuesday night at Simpson High School.

“Tonight’s effort and energy was pretty evident. Our defense was stellar,” Hicks’ head coach Mike Charrier said. “I was very pleased with our performance.”

Hicks wasted little time jumping out to a 10-0 lead, not allowing Evans to take a shot until the Lady Pirates were up by double figures. However, the Lady Eagles rallied back to within four points thanks to a strong post effort from Triniti Bridges, 15-11.

But by the end of the first period, HIcks was able to move back out to six points and got a last-second 30-foot three-pointer from Reese Stephens to take a 22-13 lead into the second period.

That shot sparked the Lady Pirates to a 21-10 run during the second, a quarter which saw Avery Coffman drain a long three-pointer and Madison Jones adding five points off the bench. By the time it was intermission, Hicks had opened p a 43-23 advantage.

The second half belonged to the Lady Pirates and especially Phillips, who logged 14 points in the final 16 minutes, finishing the contest with a game-high 24 points and 18 rebounds.

“Shyanne showed up and showed out,” Charrier said. “She was big for us on both ends of the court.”

Hicks, sitting atop the district standings with a perfect 7-0 mark, will now focus on the final three games of the regular season.

“I am looking forward to a strong finish with a group of girls who are focused on accomplishing more for the Hicks community,” Charrier said.

Coffman added 19 points for the Lady Pirates, while Stephens finished with 12 points.

Bridges paced the Lady Eagles with 12 points.