The Altus Junior High eighth grade Lady Dawgs opened their season in fine fashion by winning the Clinton Tournament on Thursday night.

Altus defeated the Alva Lady Bulldogs 34-23 to take the title.

Altus downed Weatherford 34-24 in the first round. The Lady Dawgs erupted in the fourth quarter and outscored Weatherford 18-9 to break open a close game.

Jazznae Harris Kaylee, Ebony Nelms and Mahogoney Nelms led the team with four fourth quarter points each.

Tessa Stehr had eight points to lead Altus in scoring.

Altus defeated Woodward 43-31 in the semifinals.

The Lady Dawgs used a pressing defense to force several turnovers in the third quarter. They outscored Woodward 19-4 to take an 11-point lead into the final frame.

Ebony Nelms paced Altus in scoring with 12 points. Mahogany Nelms and Harris added 11 points while Holly Childs had six points.

In the finals, Altus outpointed Alva 12-1 in the third period to put the game out of reach.

Childs led Altus with 10 points. Tatyanna Bell added nine points while Harris had seven.

“Our press was too much pressure for those other teams and we turned turnovers into fast-brake points,” said coach Staci Terbush. “This was a great way to start the season and hopefully we can keep this ;momentum going for awhile. I'm really proud of the girls”

Altus will entertain Elk City on Monday night.