By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

FRANKLIN – The Callaway Lady Cavaliers got their Region 5-AA schedule started in impressive fashion with a 53-48 road victory over Heard County on Tuesday.

It was a rematch of the region-championship game from last season.

Heard County won that game, but it was Callaway prevailing on Tuesday in the region opener for both teams.

Chyna Cameron, Qua Beasley and Haley Holliday each had 12 points for Callaway.

Haley Bennett had a big game for Heard County with 20 points, and she was 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, and Sage Kelley added 10 points.

Heard County led 15-10 after the first quarter, but Callaway was ahead 27-23 at the half and 39-28 through three periods.

Heard County, with Kelley making three 3-pointers, rallied in the fourth quarter and got as close as one with a little more than one minute to play.

Callaway scored the game’s final four points, though, to secure the hard-fought road win.

Cameron scored eight of her 12 points in the fourth quarter.

The boys’ game was also competitive, and it was Heard County hanging on for a 52-48 victory to open region play.

The Cavaliers had a 21-14 lead at the half, but the game was tied 33-33 through three quarters.

The Braves took control in the fourth quarter and led 48-36 with a little more than two minutes to play, but the Cavaliers rallied and got within two with 12 seconds to play.

Heard County scored with three seconds left to go up 52-48, and that was the final score.

Walt Stewart led the Cavaliers with 16 points, and Antinez Blount added 11 points.

Tray Dunson led Heard County with 16 points.