Pikeville, Ky — Lawrence Co. ( 27-8 ) lost 46-43 to Pikeville ( 31-2 ) in an overtime thriller Saturday afternoon at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.
15th Region Runner-Up
L to R Kneeling Addison Bloomfield, Abby Maynard, Kensley Feltner, Leandra Curnutte, Madison Artrip, Emalynn Kitts
L to R Standing Caroline See, Abby Nelson, Sophie Adkins, Emmalee Holt, Tyra Hammond, Kaison Ward, Brooke Neal
Kensley Feltner led the Bulldogs with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, Tyra Hammond tallied 11 points, Leandra Curnutte added 4 points, Sophie Adkins 2 points and 5 rebounds, Kaison Ward 1 point and 5 rebounds.
The Dawgs went 13 of 20 from the foul line and hit 2 three pointers on 10 attempts.
Pikeville was led by Tournament MVP Trinity Rowe with 11 points and 7 assists, Rylee Theiss and Kyera Thornsberry 9 points each, Kylie Hall 6 points, Emma Ratliff 5 points, Leighan Jackson 4 points, Kristen Whited 2 points.
The Panthers hit 3 three pointers on 10 attempts and went 9 of 11 from the foul line.
LCHS 8 12 7 12 4 = 43
PHS 16 11 10 2 7 = 46
15th Region All Tournament
Kaison Ward, Sophie Adkins, Kensley Feltner
Lawrence Co. won a school record 27 games, played in the region championship for the first time since 1983 and won a District championship for the third straight season. The Dawgs only lose one Senior, Tyra Hammond, and hope to have sharpshooter Brooke Neal back from injury for her Senior season.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Melinda Feltner
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… What a season for this group of girls. Our season ending on Saturday playing for a regional championship and falling short was heartbreaking. It was the first time since 1983 that we had the opportunity to play for a regional championship. We are so proud of our girls. I look back on many possessions I’d like to have to do over but at the end of the day those are situations we need to learn from and get better prepared for next season. A few questionable calls could have also changed the game but this experience has made us more hungry to get right back there again battling for another championship next season.”
“… This season has been such a special one for us. They have set the school record for most wins with 27. This group of girls have combined for 3 straight district championships and finished our season playing for the regional championship. Above all of those things they are amazing young ladies that also do the work in the classroom as well. It was an honor and privilege to coach them this season and just to be a small part of their lives. We are so thankful for the parents who have been so supportive this season, to the cheerleaders who have been with us on our amazing run and also so thankful for the fans and community who have supported us as well. None of this would be possible without all of you. We are truly blessed to live in a wonderful community like we do. We are looking forward to another great season next year.”
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LAWRENCE CO. WILL PLAY FOR A REGION TITLE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1983 AFTER BEATING PAINTSVILLE IN THE SEMIFINALS
Pikeville, Ky Lawrence Co. ( 27-7 ) will play for a 15th Region title after polishing off Paintsville 70-54 in the semifinals on Friday night at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.
Lawrence Co. has won nine games in a row. Last loss coming on February 8th at Floyd Central.
Kensley Feltner with another monster game Friday night.
The Bulldogs were led by Kensley Feltner with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, Kaison Ward hit 4 three pointers and finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds, Leandra Curnutte 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Sophie Adkins tallied 9 points, Tyra Hammond chipped in with 4 points.
Leandra Curnutte had 13 points against her former team.
Lawrence Co. hit 6 three pointers on 24 attempts and went 14 of 19 from the foul line.
Kaison Ward hit four three pointers in a semifinal victory against Paintsville.
The Tigers ( 19-13 ) were led by Emilea Preece with 28 points and 8 rebounds, Ava Hyden added 8 points, Kylie Kinner and Eliza Howard had 6 points each, Camryn Helton and Kali Mulcahy had 3 points each.
Paintsville hit 9 three pointers on 35 attempts and went 13 of 18 from the foul line.
PHS 14 6 6 28 = 54
LCHS 14 15 18 23 = 70
The Bulldogs will play Pikeville ( 30-2 ) at 4:30 on Saturday for the 15th Region championship after the Panthers beat Martin Co. 71-47 in the first semifinal Friday.
The two teams met in Pikeville on February 1st with the Panthers beating the Dawgs 61-47.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Melinda Feltner
COACH’S COMMENTS
“ Proud of our girls tonight. This team is special. We told them tonight we got one more to finish this special season.”
Lowe got MVP off from reputation…Kensley had a better season and tournament.