CHILDERSBURG - The top-seeded Talladega Lady Tigers moved a step closer to their third consecutive Talladega County Tournament Championship as they defeated fifth-seeded Childersburg 55-43 on Thursday night.

The Lady Tigers of Childersburg jumped out to an early 6-4 lead in the first quarter. Talladega’s Marie McAbee scored back-to-back shots to spark a 9-2 run that gave the Lady Tigers a 13-8 lead in the first quarter.

Talladega’s stifling defense shut down Childersburg in the second quarter. Tyler Carter’s three-pointer with 6:44 left in the quarter cut the Talladega (17-5) lead down to just four points, 19-15.

The Lady Tigers closed the quarter out on a 6-0 run, which was capped off by a McAbee jumper from the corner to take a 25-15 lead into halftime.

Shacara Reynolds’ defensive intensity in the Lady Tigers press created easy baskets for Talladega. Reynolds scored seven of her points in the third quarter off of Childersburg (11-8) turnovers.

Chardannay Debardlabon tried to keep Childersburg in striking distance in the third quarter. The senior guard scored seven of the Lady Tigers’ 12 points in the period. Talladega took their biggest lead of the game, 45-27 into the fourth quarter.

Lin Slater’s Lady Tigers came out in attack mood in the fourth quarter as they went on a 12-4 run. After a quiet first three quarters Childersburg’s Tyler Carter found her stroke in the final period. The 5-10 versatile forward scored five points during the run, which included a three pointer to bring Childersburg back within 11 points, but Childersburg would get any closer.

McAbee led all scorers with 20 points. Reynolds scored all 11 of her points in the second half.

Malcanisha Kelley led the way for Childersburg with 12 points. Carter scored 11 points for the Lady Tigers.

Talladega will face Sylacauga in the finals of the Talladega County tournament on Saturday at 6 p.m.

In their last meeting Talladega won 68-46 on Jan. 15.