The Checotah Lady Wildcats (11-8) fell to the Sallisaw Lady Black Diamonds 45-35 Friday night after celebrating Homecoming at the Checotah Event Center. The Lady Wildcats were led by senior Ruby Folkner for the second game in a row as she scored 16 points in the loss. Folkner scored six of Checotah’s nine points in the first period to lead 9-7.

Sallisaw’s defense posed a problem for the Lady Wildcats as they struggled passing the ball and committing turnovers.

Sidney Hamilton, Hailey Prince and Nakia Carr battled the Black Diamonds in the paint but were outscored 15-5 in the second period to go into the halftime break 22-14.

Jaz Atkins came out in the second half and scored a three-pointer to trail 32-23 with 1:10 remaining in the third period.

However, the Black Diamonds out rebounded the Lady Wildcats in the fourth period as Prince fouled out early in the fourth but Ruby and Ruthy Folkner continued to play hard on defense. Ruby Folkner made the score 41-26 after making both free throws. Then Shyanne Madewell scored a free throw followed by Atkins’ steal and score to make it a 43-29. However, Sallisaw took advantage of shooting foul shots and extended their score 45-29. Checotah closed out the game with Madewell at the foul line, then Ruby Folkner made another steal and score to make it 45-32. The crowd roared as Atkins hit a long threepointer as the game came to an end.

Ruby Folkner led Checotah with 16 points; Jaz Atkins nine points and Ruthy Folkner had three points.

Stilwell defeated Checotah 58-44 on Tuesday.