Lexington, Ky. — For fourteen minutes the Lawrence Co. Bulldogs went toe to toe with two time defending champion Sacred Heart before the Valkyries pulled away for a 70-33 victory in the first round of the state tournament Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena.
Kensley Feltner drives to the basket against five star recruit Zakiyah Johnson in the state tournament.
Lawrence Co. got off to a good start behind three pointers from Sophie Adkins and Kensley Feltner and led 6-2 before Sacred Heart closed the first quarter on a 8-0 run to lead 10-6 after one.
Sophie Adkins hits the tough shot against Sacred Heart Wednesday afternoon.
In the second quarter the two squads went back and forth and the score was tied at 18 all with just over two minutes left before Sacred Heart closed the first half with a 11-0 run and led 29-18 at the break.
In the second half the Valkryies really picked it up and showed why they are the number one team in the state and the favorite to cut down the nets for the third consecutive season.
Kaison Ward looks for the open man Wednesday afternoon in Rupp Arena.
Senior Kensley Feltner ended her illustrious career with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, Sophie Adkins tallied 11 points and pulled down 8 rebounds, Abby Nelson added 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 block, Leandra Curnutte had 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, Kaison Ward scored 1 point and corralled 5 rebounds, Jada Patton pulled down 3 rebounds, Emmalee Holt, Abby Maynard, Caroline See, Addison Bloomfield, Emalynn Kitts, Madison Artrip and Brylee Stafford all played but didn’t score.
Leandra Curnutte tries to start the offense for the Bulldogs in Rupp Arena.
Lawrence Co. ( 30-6 ) was 12 of 48 from the field, 3 of 18 from beyond the arc and 6 of 7 from the free throw line.
Abby Nelson playing defense against Sacred Heart.
Sacred Heart Academy ( 33-2 ) was led by Reagan Bender with 24 points, Zakiyah Johnson had 21 points, Angelina Pelayo had 14 points, Claire Russell had 5 points , Emi-Lee Howe had 4 points, Triniti Ralston 2 points.
The Valkryies went 30 of 50 from the field, 4 of 12 on three pointers and 6 of 11 from the free throw line.
LCHS 6 12 8 7 = 33
SHA 10 19 23 18 = 70
Kaison Ward, Kensley Feltner, Sophie Adkins, Leandra Curnutte and Abby Nelson walking on to the Rupp Arena floor.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Melinda Feltner, Seniors Kensley Feltner and Emmalee Holt along with Sophomore Sophie Adkins after the game.
