HCHS Lady Hornets’ season ends at district tournament
The Lady Hornets season came to an end with a 70-57 loss to Breckinridge County in an opening round game of the 11th District Girls Basketball Tournament Monday at Cloverport. Hancock County finished the season with a record of 18-12. “It’s tough to fall short of making the region tournament. With that said, I couldn’t be more proud of this group of players,
manager and coaching staff,” HCHS head coach Kevin Husk said.
The Lady Tigers got off to a hot start with two 3’s during the opening minute of play, but the Lady Hornets responded. Ella House scored three times on drives to the rim and converted a 3-point play that brought the team back. Kendra Keown dropped in a “3” for HCHS and senior Bailey Poole scored. Breck County got a third triple from Elizabeth Grimes and
the Lady Tigers led 19-12 at the first horn.
Lily Roberts knocked down a shot from beyond the arc in the second period and Hancock continued to draw closer. House stayed aggressive and got herself to the foul line three times, making 5 of 6 shots. Poole made good on two free throws and 8th grader Ansley House scored a basket just before halftime as the Lady Hornets won the frame and cut Breck’s lead to 33-28 at intermission.
Hancock County increased its offensive production during the final eight minutes. hit a “3” while Ella House and Roberts scored six points each down the stretch.
Breck County sealed the win by controlling the ball and forcing Hancock County to foul. The Lady Tigers made 17 of 22 shots from the charity stripe during the fourth quarter.
Poole scored the final basket of her high school career late in the game and the Lady Hornets’ memorable season came to a close.
“Breck County averaged 64% from the line and shot 80%, had a player bank in a crazy shot to end the first half, and another player ended an 0/10 3pt streak by going 2/3 on the night. Sometimes things just fall the wrong way for you and sometimes they fall the right way, like it has for us several times throughout the season,” Husk said. “It hurts now because you want it so bad for this group of girls who played their hearts out.”
Hancock County shot 36% from the field and made 20 of 25 attempts (80%) from the free throw line. Breck County shot 43% from the field and attempted an incredible 44 foul shots for the game, connecting on 35 (79.5%). Ella House finished with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. Roberts scored 13, with four boards, three assists and two steals. Poole had 10 points, one board and one steal, Ansley House had four points and two boards, Morris had three points and four boards, Keown had three points, two boards and one steal and Alexis Gay scored two points.
Grimes led Breck with 20 points.
Breckinridge County will play Meade County in the title game on Thursday. The Lady Waves won 69-3 over Cloverport Monday. shared his thoughts on the quality season his team enjoyed. “Down the road we’ll look back on this season and be proud of the things we accomplished. We hadn’t had 18 regular season wins since the 2009-10 season. We won an All “A” Region title, made it to the Elite 8 state tournament, losing by one point. Lily Roberts scores 1,000 points and grabs 500+ rebounds in her career. Emma Morris breaks the steals record in a game. But even more impressive is that they’re even better human beings. They care for each other, they’re respectful, they’re amazing students, they’re great role models and fun to be around. I know this community, families and the coaching staff are incredibly proud of them!
“Five years ago as I took the head coaching position, I brought up some 8th graders that are now finished with high school ball. Bailey Poole and Emma Morris have had outstanding basketball careers. Grace Morris has been a Godsend to have as a manager. These three have set an example and are leaving some big shoes to fill. I’m grateful I’ve gotten to coach them and my kids have fallen in love with them. These three will no doubt go on to make this world a better place.”
By Steve Wimmer
