Defending a state title comes with a target, and Dallas Lincoln showed up in College Station this summer ready to prove the 4A Division II championship wasn't a one-year story. Head coach Ashley Greer's Lady Tigers squared off against 6A program Cy Springs in an early test of where this program stands heading into the fall.
One of the more compelling storylines was the return of Jada Patterson, who missed nearly all of last season with a leg injury. The senior-to-be wasted no time making her presence felt, knocking down 3 of her team-high 13 points and signaling she'll be a factor when the games count. Lanae Dallas added a layup off a Lincoln forced turnover as the pressure defense — a hallmark of Greer's system — pushed the Lady Tigers to a 9-1 early lead.
Arial Martin kept the momentum going in the second quarter, scoring on the break and drawing a foul to give Lincoln a 21-19 halftime edge. The second half stayed competitive, and one deep three from Dallas off an ill-advised defensive cushion was a reminder of what this offense can do when given space. Cy Springs ultimately held on for a 48-42 win, but Lincoln's pressure and perimeter shooting will make them a difficult out once district play begins.
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