ORRVILLE&045;When Dallas County beat Keith earlier in the week, it took a big fourth quarter effort from post player Tiffany Eaton.

Friday night, in the Dallas County Holiday Basketball Tournament, Eaton didn’t wait that long.

After a slow first quarter, she exploded.

The Lady Hornet ended with 16 points and 21 boards before fouling out late in the game.

With Eaton’s work, coach Roxanne Jones’ team had an easier time, winning 43-33.

In addition to Eaton’s play, Jones got strong work out of guard Velencia King.

She finished with 11 points, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 rebounds.

Tiffany Harvell, Michelle Gee, Erica Carter and Samerra McGhee had 4 points each.

Harvell added 10 rebounds while McGhee had 7.

For Keith, Veronica Shears had 12 points in the losing effort.

She also had 7 rebounds.

Freshman Vanlisa Jones showed flashes of her potential and finished with 7 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals.

Calandra Turner and Julia Moore added 3 points each while Evelyn Mitchell had two points.

Mitchell added 5 boards and Turner had 4 caroms.

King had the hot hand early.

She hit for 8 points in the first quarter and helped lead the Lady Hornets to a 13-3 lead at the first break.

Keith’s offense, led by Jones and Shears came to life in the second quarter with 12 points.

But Eaton started working her magic for the Lady Hornets who increased their lead to 27-15 at the half.

Dallas County’s offense slowed down considerably in the second half as they scored just seven in each of the third and fourth quarters.

But Eaton’s board work helped keep the Lady Bears from fighting back and the Hornets advanced to the title game.

Editor’s Note: Look for the title game of the Dallas County Tournament in Monday’s STJ.