Decatur, MS-In a thrilling start to her head coaching career, Tia Pringle guided the East Central Community College Lady Warriors to a hard-fought 60-55 victory over Wallace Community College-Selma on Friday night in Decatur. This debut win, filled with strong defensive plays and a balanced offensive effort, marked a promising beginning for Pringle and her team.

The Lady Warriors came out of the gate with determination, putting up a commanding 27-18 lead in the first quarter, fueled by efficient shooting and defensive stops. Kelviana Parhm led the offensive charge with a standout performance, finishing with 17 points, which included three three-pointers. Parhm's accurate shooting and court awareness made her a crucial piece in East Central's early dominance.

Erica Lyons contributed 8 points and showcased her versatility on both court ends. Her shooting, including a three-pointer, and her aggressive defense, tallying three steals, kept Wallace Community College-Selma at bay. Ruby Brannon added another layer to East Central's game plan with her consistent playmaking, dishing out five assists and chipping in 9 points. Despite Wallace's attempts to close the gap, her all-around effort and resilience helped maintain East Central's lead.

By halftime, East Central extended their lead to 41-27, benefiting from sharp three-point shooting (7-of-20) and converting 36.8% of their shots from the field overall. Wallace Community College-Selma struggled to match East Central's pace and shooting accuracy, finishing the game shooting only 29.2% from the field. However, T'Myla Allen from Wallace emerged as a major offensive threat, scoring 18 points and leading a spirited comeback attempt in the third and fourth quarters.

The Lady Warriors' defense played a pivotal role, as they recorded 16 steals, stifling Wallace's offensive flow. LaPrincess Powell and Mikayla Holifield were key defensive anchors, with Powell contributing a block and Holifield adding two steals. On the boards, Kaliauna Jones provided essential support, securing six rebounds, which helped East Central control the pace and limit Wallace's second-chance opportunities.

Wallace outscored East Central 15-7 in the final quarter, pressuring the Lady Warriors with late-game intensity. Despite Wallace's push, the Lady Warriors held their ground, with clutch free throws and solid defense in the final minutes to seal the 60-55 victory.

Coach Pringle's first win displayed his team's grit and potential under pressure, setting a solid foundation for the season.