By: Stacey Myers
The Pendleton County Ladycats Basketball team made 10th Region history in their season opener by scoring 71 first half points on November 28 at home versus Williamstown. They went onto win in convincing fashion, 93-21.
The 71 points also now ties for third all time in state history for most points in a half. The team would continue on to score their most points in a game since December of 2000. These girls had such intensity on the floor. The aggressive defense of the Ladycats would produce 23 steals as well during the first victory for new head coach Patrick Kelsch.
"As a coach, I can’t imagine starting the season any better then what we did last night. In practice we’ve worked to instill a district championship effort and intensity! It all clicked for the girls and I couldn’t be more proud of them. Unselfish play, great teamwork, smothering defense, 13 players made three-pointers, and a balanced scoring attack is a great way to start the season – now time to work on consistency and bringing it every night," Coach Kelsch said.
Coach Kelsch also stated that you go a lot farther as a team than you can go as individuals.
"We’re constantly stressing to our team to pass up good shots for great shots, share the basketball, and have each other’s backs. I feel like last night a lot of what we’ve been teaching clicked and they’re starting to buy in. When the whole team buys in, the sky’s the limit. Honestly, I didn’t even know we set a KHSAA record until after the game. It’s always nice when we’re able to accomplish things together as a team. The girls were excited to have something positive go in their favor, but it doesn’t change our goal or our mindset of winning a 38th District Championship."
Senior Cara Stewart lead the way with 15 points and six rebounds. Senior Saniah Thomas had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Skylar Ashcraft had 13 points and three rebounds. Freshman Lilly Ashcraft had 13 points and four rebounds. Sophomore Madison Verst came off the bench to nail four three-pointers and score 12 points to go with two rebounds. Senior Savannah Shimkowiak had seven points and two rebounds. Senior Morgan Hart added six points and six rebounds.
On November 30, The Ladycats wouldn't ease up in their game against Augusta. They were all business again and just as aggressive in their game play. They would go into the half up with a score of 35-19. They would come away with another win with a score of 73-56. Each Ladycat is a scoring threat when they are on the floor and the unselfish play they are showing as a team will make them hard to deal with this season.
Freshman Lilly Ashcraft would lead the way with 19 points (four made three-pointer's) and two rebounds. Senior Saniah Thomas had another double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Senior Cara Thomas had 10 points and four rebounds while Skylar Ashcraft had 8 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Madison Verst posted seven points and six rebounds. Sophomore Kearstin Mayer had six points and two rebounds and senior Kennadi Mayer had five points and five rebounds.
Up next for the Ladycats will be a December 5 home matchup against Bishop Brossart followed by a December 7 home game versus Dayton. This contest will be dedicated to former team head coach Scott Collins, who passed away in October. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear a visor hat in tribute to the 10th Region Hall of Famer.
On December 10, the Ladycats will conclude their week taking on Boone County at 11 a.m. in the St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine 9/10 Challenge, held at Bracken County High School.