GRAY DEYOSports Writer

The Tullahoma Girls’ basketball team got a big win on Dec. 2, as they defeated Shelbyville Central High School by a score of 52-40.

This was a massive win for Tullahoma to re-establish the tone and trajectory early on in the 2025-2026 season. It erases a two-game losing streak and begins a one-game win streak against Shelbyville, whose season has been up and down this year. They have a record of 2-4, but their losses all came against teams that have proven to be great early this season. All four teams that they lost to have a winning record, including one with a record of 7-1 and one with a record of 5-0.

In getting this win, the contributions from the Lady Wildcats team came from everywhere. One of Tullahoma players, who was a big help in getting the win, was sophomore big Madison McCarl. In the game, McCarl had eight points, four of which came in the fourth quarter. The Lady Wildcats had their biggest scoring quarter in the final period of play, getting 18 total points.

McCarl this season has shown flashes of her defensive versatility, and now in this game, she showed what she can bring to this squad offensively. She absolutely has the potential to make a major impact on this team going forward.

The star senior guard for the Lady Wildcats, McLayne Bobo, also had a good game. Her aggression in getting to the basket was on display throughout this contest.  In the game, she had a total of 13 attempted free throws.  She tied the game-high individual point total in this contest with 19 points. Shelbyville’s Dard Frazier was the other player with 19 points.

Bobo was also the main contributor to the ‘Cats scoring, ticking up in the fourth, and scoring seven of the team’s 18 points.  This quarter was needed from Tullahoma, as Shelbyville’s offense began to click more, as they went to put in 15 points in the final period.

The Lady Wildcats ultimately in this contest got their separation in the second quarter with some top tier defense. They got a seven-point differential in these eight minutes of play, outscoring the Lady Golden Eagles 9-2 in the quarter. In the short season, this is the second lowest point total that the ‘Cats have held anyone to this year in a quarter. Their team defense can certainly be one of their strengths moving forward in the season, as they have versatile defenders all throughout their starting lineup and going deep into their bench. In a couple of matchups already this year, this has been a noticeable advantage Tullahoma has held over their opponent.