Princeton senior Chandler Evans (1), pictured in previous action, scored 18 points in a 56-43 home loss to McKinney on Thursday. Photo by Jerry Winfrey / C&S Media

By David Wolman

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With hopes of a sixth consecutive playoff berth slipping away, the Princeton girls basketball team is focused on finishing the season on a positive note.

If the way Princeton played during the first two-and-a-half quarters of last Thursday night’s home game against McKinney could be replicated over the final two weeks of the season, it could provide the Lady Panthers with positive momentum heading into their first full offseason under first-year head coach Six Smith.

However, despite going toe to toe with McKinney early, Princeton was unable to overcome cold shooting in a 56-43 loss. The Lady Panthers were held to just nine points in the second half and fell to 2-9 in District 6-6A and 7-19 overall, while the Lionettes improved to 4-7 in district play and 8-16 overall.

Sophomore Rayleigh Williams injected energy into Princeton’s offense during the opening minute of the third quarter. She caught the ball, took one step to her left to shake a defender and knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game at 34-34.

Williams turned in another efficient performance, finishing with 16 points. Senior Chandler Evans led Princeton with 18 points, while sophomore Jada Childress added seven.