Lady Hornets beat Catholic 56-51 in All “A” Classic
The Lady Hornets earned one of the biggest victories in recent years when they knocked off Owensboro Catholic 56-51 during the All “A” Classic Girls 3rd Region Tournament held at Cloverport Monday. “I’m so proud of these girls and so happy for them,” HCHS coach Kevin Husk said. “We haven’t beat Catholic since 2004,
so for us to come in and play the game we did is really exciting. We got a glimpse of just how good we could be.”
Hancock County was on a mission from the opening tip and they took control early. Emma Morris hit two 3-point baskets during the first quarter and she wasn’t alone. Ella House scored seven points on aggressive drives to the basket while Lily Roberts and Bailey Poole both splashed 3’s. When the first horn sounded the Lady Hornets held a 23-11 advantage.
The Lady Aces came into the game unbeaten during 3rd region play and they battled back in the second frame. Catholic put up 14 points in the quarter, but Hancock maintained the 12 point margin through the first half. House hit 7 of 8 foul shots in the quarter and 7th grader Sophia Newby chipped in five points for HCHS. Eighth grader Ansley House scored a basket and the halftime score was 37-25.
Catholic made a run early in the second half when their pressing defense forced multiple turnovers that led to easy baskets. The Lady Aces had pulled to within three points when Poole decided it was time for her to make a move. The senior guard knocked down back-to-back 3’s at a critical time in the game. House continued to leave her mark at the rim and at the line and when the period ended the Lady Hornets led 49-38. Kendra Keown grabbed an important rebound
and made 1 of 2 from the line.
Catholic’s Katie Riney answered with two 3’s in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Poole canned another “3” while Morris and House made two clutch free throws each to help secure the victory. House led all scorers with 19 points, including 13 of 15 made foul shots. Poole finished with 14 points, Morris scored 10,
Roberts and Newby had five each, Ansley House scored two and Keown one.
Hailee Johnson led Catholic with 13 points. Former Lady Hornet Karmin Riley scored six.
Hancock County played Edmonson County in the title game Wednesday evening, after the Clarion had gone to press.
By Steve Wimmer
