After falling to the rival Southside Lady Panthers twice in the regular season, it looked like the third time would be the charm for the Dallas County Lady Hornets.

But a pair of missed baskets at the buzzer proved to be the difference, as the Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Hornets 39-38 to claim the Class 4A Area 6 title Saturday at Southside High School.

Jason Bothwell, head coach of the Lady Panthers (16-8), said he’s proud of his team and the title is something to share with the entire community.

“This is an amazing feeling,” Bothwell said. “In my five years coaching, this is my first varsity sport and first championship, so to accomplish that … it feels great to be able to share this with these girls, the old coaches I’ve studied under, with the fans and the Southside community, and to be in front of my mom for her first time watching me coach — it’s a very special feeling.”

The game was tied at 38-38, when Southside senior Takari Nelson hit one of two free throws to give the Lady Panthers a 39-38 lead with 0:52 left to play.

The Lady Hornets (14-7) missed a potential go-ahead three and Southside’s Ashley Cunningham grabbed the rebound, but the Lady Panthers turned the ball over on their next possession as they were called for a backcourt violation with ten seconds left.

With time running out, the Lady Hornets had two shot attempts under the basket, but missed both as time expired, sealing the victory for Southside.