By: Stacey Myers
The Pendleton County Ladycats continued their historic, undefeated start to the season by claiming three more wins to improve to 5-0.
On Dec. 5, the team hosted Bishop Brossart. The Ladycats record against Bishop Brossart was 3-10 dating back to 2008 with the last win coming in 2011. The Ladycats would trail at halftime down by three with a score of 25-22. They would emerge from the locker room and claim their first win over Brossart in 11 years with the final score of 52-50. The Ladycat leading scorer was senior Saniah Thomas, who recorded her third straight double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Lilly Ashcraft scored 13 points and senior Cara Stewart scored 11 second half points and grabbed five offensive rebounds. Senior Savannah Shimkowiak had five points and two rebounds.
The Ladycats scored another home victory on December 7 against Dayton. Pendleton County grabbed 40 rebounds (26 offensive) and claimed 17 steals on defense en route to a 66-36 win. Saniah Thomas recorded her fourth straight double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds (nine offensive). Lilly Ashcraft scored 15 points and knocked down four 3-pointers and had four steals. Cara Stewart scored eight points and grabbed 13 rebounds (nine offensive). Senior Skylar Ashcraft had five assists and four steals. Senior Morgan Hart provided great minutes off the bench with five points, three rebounds and three blocks. Prior to the start of the game, the team honored the memory of former program head coach, Scott Collins, who passed away on Oct. 2. Coach Collins' parents, Johnsey and Priscilla; along with his sister Angela, were met at mid-court by the team and presented with a signed Ladycats jersey and a bouquet of flowers. The theme of the evening was “Visor Night” in tribute to Coach Collins trademark hat.
Team head coach Patrick Kelsch on his squads early season success which begins on the defensive side of the court.
"We constantly talk about playing defense without fouling. Against Augusta, I felt like we tried to block too many shots instead of walling up and playing straight up defense. We also need to continue improving our ball pressure without fouling. We have to keep our hands out and don’t get caught hand checking," he said.
Coach Kelsch continued:
"I feel like I bring energy, excitement, and experience to the program. I’ve been blessed in the past with a lot of great teams that have made me look good on the sidelines. I think the girls know that I’m going to push them to be the best player and person they can be and hold them accountable at the same time. These Ladycats have been great for me. I didn’t know if I’d ever be on the sidelines again (due to some health issues) and they’ve really helped bring out my passion for basketball again. For that I will forever be grateful," he added.
The Ladycats wrapped up their week on Dec. 10 playing Boone County in the 9th/10th Region Challenge played at Bracken County. The Ladycats won 61-39 to improve to 5-0. The team shot 60 percent for the game and sank 16 of 17 free throws. Saniah Thomas had 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Cara Stewart had 12 points, five rebounds and Skylar Ashcraft had 15 points, three assists and five rebounds. Freshman Lilly Ashcraft had 15 points, three assists and five steals.
Pendleton County will look to remain undefeated as they take on Mason County at home on Dec. 12. On December 16, the Ladycats will host St. Henry and will conclude the week with a December 17 matchup at Scott High in Taylor Mill at 2:30 p.m.