PIKEVILLE, KY. — Johnson Central ( 17-14 ) used a 20-3 third quarter to erase a three point halftime deficit and defeat Lawrence Co. ( 22-11 ) 48-33 in the quarterfinals of the Girls 15th Region Tournament Wednesday at the East Kentucky Expo Center.
The Lady Dawgs making their fifth straight appearance in the Region Tournament got off to a good start only trailing the Lady Eagles 10-9 after one period.
The second quarter was the best of the game for Lawrence Co. as they out scored Johnson Central 16-12 and built a 25-18 advantage before leading at the half 25-22.
In the decisive third period the Lady Bulldogs only made one shot a three pointer by Senior Sheree Hay and trailed 42-28 going in to the final stanza.
In the fourth the struggles continued as the Lawrence Co. only scored five points on two shots made.
Senior Kylie Maynard led the Lady Dawgs with 9 points all in the first half, Kensley Feltner and Lexi Ratliff with 7 points each, Kaison Ward 5 points and 5 rebounds, Sheree Hay 3 points, Kyleah Ward 2 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Lawrence Co. went 4-11 from the three point line and 3-6 from the charity stripe.
Johnson Central was led by Katelyn Fitch with 11 points, Alaina Castle had 10 points and 10 rebounds, Ashley Belcher tallied 10 points, Hannah Fitch 9 points, Sammi Sites 6 points, Faith Fairchild 2 points.
Johnson Central went 3-8 from the three point line and 9-12 from the foul line.
LCHS 9 16 3 5 = 33
JCHS 10 12 20 6 = 48
Johnson Central will move on to the Semifinals on Monday at 6:30 vs Shelby Valley who beat Belfry 43-35 in the second game.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Melinda Feltner
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… I thought we were over our jitters from past years after the first half. We played well and were up seven points before halftime but they hit an open three and hit a free throw to cut into our lead. In the second half we came out like a deer in head lights and the game got away from us.”
“… Gonna miss Kylie Maynard and Sheree Hay they gave all they had to our program since they’ve been in it. Both girls are a treat to be around and both will be successful at whatever they do.”
“… We have young group coming back and I’m excited to get back to work and prepare for next year. Hopefully we can make a run in this tourney next year.”
