SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Shelbyville Central Golden Eaglettes (5-11, 0-1) took a 39-36 lead into the fourth quarter against Coffee County (16-3, 1-0), but could not close out the District 6-AAAA opener on Friday night, suffering a 57-54 home defeat.

The Eaglettes gave an inspired effort against the Red Raiders, led by Jada Berry’s 20-point performance on the night. Dara Frazier chipped in with 13 points of her own, but the duo combined for only seven points in the fourth quarter as Coffee County came roaring back to take the lead. 

Kayson Morgan provided the spark for the visitors, nailing six of her seven three-pointers in the second half alone en route to a game-high 21 points. Hayleigh Harris added five of her 14 points in the fourth quarter, and Audri Patton chipped in with 10 points on the night. Overall, Coffee County’s prolific three-point shooting ended up winning them the game, connecting on 11 triples against just six three-pointers for the hosts.

Shelbyville managed to keep pace with Coffee County in the opening period, drawing level at 15 at the end of the quarter. Berry scored six points while Janiya Leslie added five points to counter the five points from both Patton and Harris.

The Eaglettes’ defense turned up the intensity in the second period, holding the Red Raiders to just a pair of two-point field goals as Shelbyville took a 26-21 lead heading into the halftime locker room. Berry again led the way with five points in the frame while Sequoyah Young nailed an unexpected three-pointer.

Coming out for the second half, Coffee County nailed four triples, including three from Morgan alone. The visitors outscored Shelbyville, 15-13, to trim the lead to three points, 39-36, entering the final frame. Dara Frazier kept the Red Raiders at bay momentarily, nailing a pair of three-pointers herself en route to an eight-point period.

Frazier added another trey in the fourth, Jayda Frazier connected on a three-pointer and a two-point field goal, and Berry added four points, but ultimately it was not enough to overcome the 21-point fourth quarter from Coffee County. Morgan nailed a trio of triples in the frame, Harris added five points, and then Jenslee Nogodula connected on a pair of free throws to secure the three-point win.

The Eaglettes fall to 5-11 overall. Shelbyville continues district play on Tuesday with a trip to Cookeville at 6:00 p.m.