HAMPSHIRE — Cascade had to survive a furious, fourth-quarter Hampshire rally in their season opener, but that’s just what they did as they opened a new era of Lady Champion basketball in Tuesday night’s 55-54 thriller.
Entering the fourth quarter, Cascade held a comfortable 45-24 lead, but Hampshire was able to attack the rim, draw fouls, stop the clock and work its way to the free throw line in a 30-point fourth-quarter surge.
Kadence Stoner led the way and went 9-of-9 at the charity stripe in the fourth quarter alone and finished a remarkable 15-of-16 attempts from the line.
Madison Cagle also went 3-for-4 from the line in the period as well.
But even with the remarkable comeback bid, the early work done by the Lady Champs proved to be just enough for Cascade to withstand the rally.
Cascade led 13-4 after the first quarter and 29-15 at the half.
Not much changed in the third as Hampshire was held to nine points, while Cascade piled up 16 more.
Led by Abrielle Presley’s 12 points, Cascade spread the offense around and seven different Lady Champs scored in Tuesday’s win.
While Presley was the lone Lady Champ to reach double figures, three more were knocking on the door of double digits and finished the game with nine points apiece.
Kaegan Young, Annabelle Calvert and Suzanna Crews all finished with nine points.
Cascade will open its home slate in another Hall of Fame game on Thursday night, hosting the Tullahoma Lady Wildcats at 6 p.m.

Hampshire 4 11 9 30 — 54
Cascade 13 16 16 11 — 55

Hampshire: Kadence Stoner 24, Annie Brown 9, Madison Cagle 9, Jade Arnold 7, Adisyn Runyon 5.
Cascade: Abrielle Presley 12, Kaegan Young 9, Annabelle Calvert 9, Suzanna Crews 9, Kaydence Miller 6, Laina Carter 5, Sophie Ray 5.
3-Point goals: Cascade (7): Calvert 3, Miller 2, Presley 2; Hampshire (5): Brown 2, Stoner, Cagle, Arnold.
Halftime score: Cascade 29, Hampshire 15.