Katelyn Middleton scored 12 first-quarter points, helping the Paris Lady Tigers build an early lead – a lead they maintained throughout, en route to a 55-44 win at home Thursday over the Effingham Lady Hearts.

Middleton knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the opening eight minutes, as Paris took an 18-13 lead. The Lady Tigers then were on top 30-23 at halftime and 41-32 heading into the final period.

Effingham got within three on two occasions in the fourth quarter, but no closer. Madyson Rigdon scored 7 of her 13 points in that final period, helping the Lady Tigers improve to 17-3 on the season. Middleton finished with a game-high 19 points.

Ella Niebrugge led the Lady Hearts with 11 points, while Sawyer Althoff and Meredith Schaefer both scored 8.

The Lady Hearts dipped to 12-6 on the season. They will compete in the Vandalia Mid-Winter Tournament next week. They will play two games Monday – against Centralia at 10 a.m. and against Vandalia at 1 p.m.