SHELBY, Ohio — Jackie Garrett got it going early — and late — Saturday night.

The Richland Bank Athlete of the Week, Garrett scored 22 points in Shelby’s 69-63 win over Mount Vernon in the penultimate game of the Richland Source NOL-OCC Challenge at Shelby High School.

The diminutive point guard scored or assisted on four of six first-quarter baskets as the Whippets built a 16-11 lead. She had 12 points in the first half, then connected on 7 of 10 free throws in the final 3:06 of the fourth quarter to keep the hard-charging Yellow Jackets at bay.

Garrett and backcourt mate Kennadie Goth combined for 44 points in the win.

“We thought we had an advantage on the perimeter. We wanted our guards to attack,” Shelby coach Natalie Lantz said. “They are good ball handlers and good outside shooters.

“We know they are quick and can penetrate the gaps as well. That is something we thought we could take advantage of.”

Mount Vernon coach Doug Savage was impressed with the play of Shelby’s backcourt.

“Their guards played extremely well,” Savage said. “They shot the ball well, they got their teammates involved and they defended well.”

While she scored in bunches Saturday, Garrett is more comfortable setting up her teammates. She averaged 4.5 assists a game last winter.

“I’m not concerned about scoring. We’ve got a lot of people who can score,” Garrett said. “I’m more worried about getting everyone else their points.”

With Garrett leading the way, the Whippets built a 51-29 lead late in the third quarter. Mount Vernon outscored Shelby 32-18 in the fourth quarter to make things interesting. University of Akron recruit Taylor Gregory scored 20 of her game-high 28 points in the fourth.

“Their big girl really got it going, which caught us a little by surprise,” Garrett said. “She hand’t done much against us up until then.

“We got caught off-guard.”

A three-year letter winner, Garrett was an All-Ohio honorable mention selection last year as the Whippets advanced to the district championship game. She averaged 10.9 points and 3.3 steals per game.

Shelby boasts one of the area’s most talent-laden teams this season. In addition to Garrett and Goth, Lantz welcomed back letter winners Sienna King, Maddi Fidler, Chelsea Barnd, Raven Hill, Macy Lunch and Bailey Walter.

“We’ve got an experienced team,” Garrett said. “We’ve got high expectations for ourselves.”