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Ladycats junior Madison Verst knocked down four three-pointers to lead the Ladycats in their come from behind victory over Robertson County in the 38th District tournament. Photo by Pete Wigginton. -
Following the conclusion of the 38th District Championship game, Ladycats sophomore Lilly Ashcraft (center) and freshman Hannah Spaulding (right) were named to the all-tournament team. Photo by Stacey Myers.
By: Stacey Myers
The Pendleton County Ladycats secured their spot in the 10th Region tournament with a thrilling come from behind victory over Robertson County. However the team would fall short in the district championship game against Nicholas County.
On February 26, the Ladycats notched one of the most impressive wins in program history by overcoming a 12-point fourth quarter deficit to win 62-56 over the Robertson County Lady Devils. With 7:30 remaining in the game, Robertson County led 45-33 and appeared to be on their way to advancing in the tournament. However, the Ladycats reached down and mounted a comeback that was led by junior Madison Verst, freshman Hannah Spaulding and junior Kearstin Mayer. Pendleton County would go on to put together a 29-11 run to end the game and keep their season alive. Verst knocked down four three-pointers to finish with 19 points while Spaulding added 18 points. Mayer and sophomore Lilly Ashcraft scored 15 and 10 points respectively.
On February 29, the Ladycats took on tournament favorite Nicholas County in the district championship game. Early on, the Ladycats would be plagued by turnovers that allowed Nicholas County to grab an early lead. Just before the end of the first quarter, Ashcraft would knock down a near half court shot to make it a 19-11 game. The Ladycats would claw back into the game to pull within 28-23 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Ladycats would move within four points of tying the game but could not get any closer. The Ladycats took a 48-36 lead going into the fourth quarter and would maintain control for the remainder of the game as they went on to defeat the Ladycats 64-50 to win the district title. Lilly Ashcraft led Pendleton County in scoring with 22 points, making nine of 14 shots. Hannah Spaulding added 10 while Kearstin Mayer and Gracie Pfanstiel added six points each.
Ladycats head coach Patrick Kelsch had these thoughts after the district championship game:"I told the girls in the locker room that’s it ok to be disappointed in the result, but don’t lose sight of how far we’ve come this year. We lost seven seniors to graduation, a returning senior starter to a season ending injury, and we still fought, battled, and competed to be one of the final eight girls teams still remaining.
The adversity we’ve faced made us tougher and closer as a team and has made us stronger as individuals. As a coach I couldn’t be more proud of where we started and how far we’ve came. "
The Ladycats now turn their attention to the girls 10th Region tournament, which will be held at Bourbon County. Tonight, they will take on the Lady Bears of Bracken County, who won the 39th District tournament, at 6:00 p.m. . In two regular season matchups, Bracken County defeated the Ladycats at both Brooksville and Falmouth.