The Odessa High girls basketball team built a big lead against Midland High and then watched the Lady Dawgs claw their way back in the District 2-6A opener Tuesday.
The Lady Bronchos then provided a response of their own.
Nesha Stephens had 17 points and Deoshanay Henderson added 15 as Odessa High pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 49-43 victory at the OHS Fieldhouse.
The Lady Bronchos improved to 3-4 overall, 1-0 in district.
Noemi Arciga led the Lady Dawgs (4-8, 0-1) with a game-high 21 points, with Hannah Lujan adding nine in the loss.
Using an aggressive full-court press, Odessa High jumped out to a 17-9 lead after one quarter, with Stephens scoring 11 points as she connected on four field goals, including a trio of 3-pointers.
There was a scary moment for Stephens in the final minute of the third quarter when she landed awkwardly after driving to the basket and came up favoring her left ankle. After several moments, however, she was able to walk back to the bench and returned to the game in the fourth quarter.
By that time, Midland High had cut the Lady Bronchos’ lead to one (37-36), but could only watch as Henderson scored nine points in final eight minutes to help seal the victory.
Odessa High continues district play at 6 p.m. Friday at San Angelo Central.
>> Follow Lee Scheide on Twitter at @OALeeScheide
