PIKEVILLE, KY In post season the motto is survive and advance and that’s exactly what Lawrence Co. did after a 67-59 overtime victory over Paintsville in the first round of the 15th Region tournament Tuesday at the Appalachian Wireless arena.
Kensley Feltner is all smiles after the final buzzer goes off.
Lawrence Co. ( 28-5 ) was led by Kensley Feltner with 26 points, Kaison Ward and Sophie Adkins had 10 points apiece, Abby Nelson tallied 9 points, Leandra Curnutte and Abby Maynard scored 6 points each.
Kaison Ward nailing a three pointer in overtime to give the Dawgs a five point advantage.
The Dawgs made 5 three pointers and went 16 of 20 from the free throw line.
#5 Abby Maynard and #54 Abby Nelson hit 2 three pointers each in the Region victory over Paintsville Tuesday.
Paintsville ( 19-12 ) was led by Kylie Kinner who hit 5 three pointers and finished with 34 points, Emilea Preece had 17 points, Camryn Helton and Kali Mulcahy had 3 points each, K. K. Vannoy had 2 points.
The Tigers hit 9 three pointers and went 14 of 18 from the free throw line.
PHS 11 8 24 15 1 = 59
LCHS 18 16 10 14 9 = 67
Sophie Adkins driving to the basket in the first quarter versus Paintsville.
The Bulldogs will face Pike Co. Central ( 16-14 ) at 8:00 on Friday in the second semifinal game after the Hawks beat Shelby Valley 43-41 in the first game Wednesday.
Defending region champ Pikeville ( 27-5 ) will play Martin Co. ( 26-5 ) in the first semifinal at 6:30 Friday.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Melinda Feltner
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… We got the start we wanted. Really had good effort defensively and was able to build a lead. .
“…I felt in the 3rd quarter we started playing not to lose instead of playing to win. We played tight. Give credit to Paintsville they played their tails off and forced us into OT. I told the girls heading into that overtime that we were the better team, we had played a terrible second half. This was their time and they needed to go out and take it. I was proud of how they responded. They did all the little things, we defended, rebounded and made shots. I was proud of their effort in overtime and closing the game game out.
“…We survived and advanced to the semi finals on Friday night. We’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
