Hard work, according to coach Robert Daniels, is paying off in a big way for the Pineville Lady Lions, who recently improved to 21-1 in fifth- and sixth-grade action with victories over Williamsburg and Middlesboro to capture the All “A” league championship at Pineville.

“These girls have been playing together for four years. They live in the gym,” said Daniels, who is in his first season as coach. “They work hard every day and it shows in the games. I really can’t say how proud I am of them. If this group stays together the future is very bright for Pineville.”

The Lady Lions dominated defensively to rout Williamsburg 41-5 in the semifinals, racing to a 23-0 lead after one quarter.

Malley Smith scored 10 of her game-high 14 points in the first quarer. Ava Arnett and Rachel Howard each had two baskets in the opening period and finished with six points each. Kamryn Biliter, Alyssa Howard and Makayla Caldwell contributed four points each. Makenna Turner scored two and Lexi Hoskins added one.

Pineville got off to another fast start in the championship game, racing to a 20-8 lead on the way to a 44-16 victory over Middlesboro.

Howard poured in 12 of her game-high 22 points in the opening period. Smith scored six of her 13 points in the first quarter. Arnet tossed in six points. Biliter scored two. Caldwell added one.

Middlesboro advanced to the finals with a win over Harlan.

Pineville will play in the KBA state tournament later in the season.