The Enterprise Lady Yellow Jackets captured their first district win of the season Monday night after clipping the East Marion Lady Eagles 35-33 in Region 7-2A basketball action at Enterprise’s new gym.

In the boys’ game, the Eagles soared past the Jackets 77-54.

Enterprise continues action today as they prepare to travel to Liberty to take on the Amite County Trojans for another huge region test. The varsity girls will tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

East Marion returns to Lincoln County today to battle the West Lincoln Bears in a tripleheader. The junior varsity boys will begin the action at 5 p.m. The varsity girls game will follow beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity boys contest.

Enterprise 35, East Marion 33 

In a very slow pace game, the Lady Jackets and Lady Eagles battled back and forth in a tough defensive contest as Enterprise managed to stay in control to take a 17-15 lead into halftime.

In the second half, both teams continued to fight hard. East Marion and Enterprise traded baskets throughout the third and fourth quarters which resulted in a total of 18-points apiece.

In the closing minute of the fourth quarter, the Lady Eagles (10-12, 3-4) tried to put together a late surge and steal away the win but Enterprise (10-14, 1-6) relied on their defense and key free throws to secure the huge district win.

Freshmen guard Alissa Barlow was the offensive leader for the Lady Jackets with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists. Hannah Kirtfield contributed 9 points and led on the boards with 7 rebounds. Markie Case chipped in 8 points.

“It feels great to get this district win,” said Enterprise coach Jill Nations. “I am very proud of my girls effort. Even though we fell behind late in the game, the girls did not quit. They continued to fight back to get the win by hitting some key free throws in the closing seconds.”

Amber Willis led the offensive charge for the Lady Eagles with a game-high 17 points. Audriana Howard provided 11 points.

East Marion 77, Enterprise 54 

East Marion came out strong and fierce in the opening quarter to grab a 18-8 lead and managed to set the tone of the contest early.

In the second quarter, Enterprise rallied back to trim into the Eagles’ lead as East Marion carried a 36-24 lead into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Eagles turned up the heat and exploded on the jackets to take a commanding 63-38 lead into the final frame and coasted to the win.

The Jackets (8-16, 0-7) had three players to score in double figures as Forrest Scott led the pace with 14 points and 8 rebounds. John Gray netted 13 points and Patrick Scott added 11 points.

“East Marion came out ready to play and shot the ball really well,” said Enterprise coach John Knight.

Jermaine Burkett pumped in a game-high 18 points to lead for four players in double digits. Tre Tolar was on fire beyond the arc and cashed in 17 points. Latodderic Fortenberry and Shavontae Coleman had 12 points apiece.

In boys junior varsity action,  East Marion edged Enterprise 28-25.

Quincy Quinn scored 9 points to lead the Eagles. D.J. Knight contributed 8 points.

Patrick Scott poured in a game-high 12 points to direct the Jackets.