McKinney -- In a battle between two teams of Lady Cardinals, the John Paul II girls jumped out to an 18-9 lead at the first buzzer and made that advantge hold up for a 46-36 win in the opening round of the 2009 Collin County Invitational Basketball Tournament at McKinney Boyd High School. 

The Melissa found themselves down 27-15 at halftime before whittling the deficit down to six points with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.  John Paul II held on to win by 10 points

Melissa was led by Keleigh Taylor's 11 points and teammate Jacqui Nickell knocked down 10 points.  Skyler Zadow finished just under double figures with nine points.   Claighton Bush put up four points and Morgan Helmberger had two points for Melissa.

Taylor led John Paul II with 13 points and Mulder tossed in 10 points. 

Melissa will play McKinney Boyd on Saturday. 

The Melissa Lady Cardinals are now 4-2 for the season.