Paul Knox Middle School held the lead for most of the way Monday through the girls' basketball game held at Riverview Park Activities Center, but North Augusta came on strong in the fourth quarter and bagged a 24-22 win to remain undefeated (7-0).

The Lady Yellow Jackets, coached by Kenny Brown, got a bucket from Kentasia Trimier with 37 seconds left in the fourth quarter - just enough to take the lead. With four seconds left in the game, Tianni Pierner connected on one of two free throws to seal the deal.

Paul Knox (6-2), coached by Cheryl Morris, jumped out to an 8-3 lead by the end of the first quarter and was ahead at the end of the second and third as well. The Lady Patriots' highest scorers were Sierra Sanders, with nine, and Alli Bell, adding five. North Augusta's leaders were Trimier, who scored nine, and Keielana Smith, seven.

This was the season's first meeting between the cross-town rivals. Plans are in place for another contest, set for Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m., with Paul Knox as the host site.

Both squads are to be in action again today (Thursday), with North Augusta at Leavelle McCampbell at 5:30 p.m., and Paul Knox playing host to Jackson, also at 5:30 p.m. North Augusta's squad shares its undefeated status with Aiken, with both teams having been 7-0 as of Tuesday afternoon.