With five games remaining in its Region 5-AAAAA schedule, the Chapel Hill Lady Panthers are likely headed into the region tournament as the No. 4 seed.

Following Tuesday’s tough 49-43 setback against state-ranked Westlake (11-1 in region play), the Lady Panthers are 9-4 against league teams. Third place Riverdale (8-2) remains in sight, while No. 5 Lovejoy (4-5) is right behind CHHS.

“We are coming around and playing better,” said Lady Panthers coach Sherri Hintz. “I hope we are out of that mid-season slump.”

Chapel Hill is getting strong inside-outside play on the offensive end, something they have missed during portions of the season.

“I hope we are coming around and getting ready for a late stretch run,” said Hintz.

Amaria Brown and O’neisha Smith, a pair of seniors, are working for their shots inside and controlling the defensive boards against most opponents. They held an advantage in that department Tuesday against Westlake.

Brown has probably been the Lady Lions most consistent scorer all season.

Add Centeria Fletcher and Jametria Fletcher to the mix, along with guard Kanesha Looper and CHHS is working for a team concept. Others, including Bria Epps and Quatilya Earls, are also playing well.

The Lady Panthers have faced a lot of zone defenses, and their inside-outside attack is improving.

In Region 5-AAAAA, all teams face all nine opponents home and away for an 18-game league schedule.

Chapel Hill’s biggest win came on Dec. 4, when they edged No. 2 Mundy’s Mill 73-70 on the road.

Hintz thinks Mundy’s Mill might be the strongest team in the region.

“I think they may be the best and most balanced,” said Hintz.

Mundy’s Mill (10-2) trails Westlake by just one game in the region standings. Westlake probably has the top individual player in guard Sharnea Boykin, who scored 22 points against the Lady Panthers Tuesday.

Chapel Hill’s boys (2-11 in the region) are in last place by a game, but could still move up a few positions with five league games remaining. CHHS plays at East Coweta (3-9) Friday, and also has key games left with Riverdale (3-6) and Pebblebrook (3-8).

Westlake (12-1) pretty much has the No. 1 spot locked up. Creekside, which had to forfeit three region wins, is only 8-5 but could be the second best team in the region.

At press time there is some confusion concerning the region tournament. Most of the event was scheduled to be played at Lovejoy High School.

Note: Some teams have not reported all games to GeorgiaPrepCountry.com, which is a major source for recording the standings.