The Franklin County Rebelettes saw a hard-fought battle slip away Monday night in Tullahoma, falling 48-43 to the Lady Wildcats in the District 12AAA third-place game — a contest that turned dramatically in the final minute.
Franklin County led for much of the second half and appeared poised to secure the win, but Tullahoma closed the game on an 11-0 run to steal the victory.
The first quarter was tight, with neither team separating by more than four points. The Rebelettes trailed 13-11 after one, with Kenzie Arnold scoring seven early points to keep Franklin County within striking distance.
Franklin County surged in the second quarter, opening with a 9-1 run and taking control of the tempo. The Rebelettes carried a 24-20 lead into halftime and maintained their composure throughout the third quarter, stretching the advantage to 39-33 entering the final frame.
The fourth quarter, however, became increasingly physical — and increasingly whistle-heavy on one side.
The turning point came late.
With Franklin County protecting a narrow lead, Na’Kayjah Holman used a high screen from Aahna Carter at the top of the arc and immediately flowed left into a second screen set by Kenzie Arnold. Arnold had established position and appeared set, but was whistled for an offensive foul — wiping away a key possession and shifting momentum.
Moments later, Tullahoma capitalized at the free-throw line. The Lady Wildcats took their first lead of the half with 39.2 seconds remaining on a pair of free throws to make it 44-43.
Tullahoma’s McClayne Bobo, an MTSU signee, played aggressively all night and finished without being assessed a single foul despite heavy involvement in contact plays throughout the contest. The Lady Wildcats were able to convert at the line down the stretch, while Franklin County could not answer on its final possessions.
Holman led the Rebelettes with 15 points. Kennedy Hall added eight, Arnold finished with seven, Carter had four, and Jaelyn Ritchie, Abbey Mason and Hadley Jolley scored three each.
It was a disciplined, composed effort for nearly three quarters — undone by a final-minute swing that left the Rebelettes frustrated but not defeated.
Franklin County now sits at 17-12 on the season and will shift its focus to the Region 6AAA quarterfinal Friday at Creek Wood High School. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
In tournament basketball, margins are thin. Monday night proved just how thin they can be.
