LaGrange, GA-The LaGrange basketball team had a strong first half and held on for the 79-56 win in USA South West Division action. Sabrina Shepherd led the Spirits with 20 points. The Spirits fall to 4-6 in the USA South and 7-13 overall, while LaGrange improves to 6-4 and 12-9.

LaGrange jumped out to a 22-9 lead after the first quarter and extended the lead to 40-22 at the half. Salem outscored the Panthers 18-13 in the final quarter.

Shenell Pharr came off the bench to score 11 points. Alexiahonna Bush and Mikayla Seivers led the Spirits with 8 rebounds each.

The Spirits return to USA South action tomorrow at Huntingdon.