LEIGHTON — Nyesha Ricks turned in her 14th double-double of the season with 26 points and 17 rebounds to lead Sheffield to a 71-28 victory over Cherokee on Monday in the opening round of the Colbert County tournament.

The senior grabbed 10 boards at the offensive end of the floor and added eight steals on the night.

“She did what she’s been doing for us all season long,” Sheffield coach Jonathan Bailey said. “She knows how to score and is the best rebounder I’ve ever coached. She also has an extremely high basketball IQ and is very easy to coach.”

Sheffield led only 12-8 midway through the first quarter before taking control. Ricks had a steal and layup up at the buzzer to give Sheffield a 35-16 lead at the half. The Bulldogs then pulled away in the second half by opening the third and fourth quarters with 12-0 runs.

Defensive pressure also proved to be a key factor in the game. Cherokee did not connect on a field goal in the final period. For the game, Sheffield recorded 28 steals.

Laken Davidson added 14 points for the Bulldogs while Monique Mason also reached double figures in scoring with 10 points. Amari Summerhill also added six points and 12 rebounds for Sheffield.

Cherokee was led by Briana Goodloe’s nine points.

n Deshler 55, Colbert County 29: After struggling to score in the first quarter, Deshler was able to find its offensive rhythm and pull away from Colbert County. A balanced scoring attack paved the way for the Tigers as all 10 roster players scored.

Deshler’s Jothani Dixon led the way, connecting on four 3-point baskets to finish with 12 points. She hit a trio of 3-pointers in the second quarter to lead the Tigers on a 10-0 run. Ra’Jene Swopes also reached double digits with 11 points.

The Tigers did not hit a shot from the floor for the game’s first 3:57. Colbert County, however, would not be able to take advantage, connecting on just two field goals in the first quarter. Deshler led 12-8 after the first period when Layken Coman hit a layup at the buzzer.

Deshler led 31-18 at the break and only allowed 11 second-half points.

Colbert County, which remains winless on the season, was led by Liz Noceda, who scored a game-high 14 points.

n Muscle Shoals 59, Colbert Heights 26: Muscle Shoals used a big second quarter to take control against Colbert Heights.

A 20-2 run set the stage for the 59-26 victory for the Trojans.

Leading 13-8 in the second stanza, Muscle Shoals opened the quarter with 14 straight points and the Wildcats never challenged again. Colbert Heights didn’t score for the first 4:31 until a put back by Kamie Collier made the score 27-10 with 3:29 remaining. Muscle Shoals led 33-10 at the half.

Shana Sherrod led the Trojans, scoring in every quarter to finish with a game-high 15 points. Keana Reed also reached double figures in scoring for Muscle Shoals, connecting on a trio of 3-pointers and finishing with 13 points.

Emily Vess and MyKeauna Ingram each scored six points to lead Colbert Heights.

Regular season

n Wilson 40, Loretto 33: Wilson won a defensive battle as the Warriors held off Loretto in the girls game.

Ciarra Edwards and Brittany Gooch scored nine points each to lead Wilson (6-9).