Tournament time

By Stacey Myers and Sam McClanahan

PARIS, KY - The Pendleton County Ladycats were able to put together a memorable postseason run that would see the team accomplish something that had not occurred since 2011: Advance past the first round of the 10th Region Tournament. And they did so in dramatic fashion. Unfortunately, they would fall in the semifinal round to see their season come to a close.

On March 5, the Ladycats faced 39th District Champ Bracken County looking to avenge a pair of regular season defeats to the Lady Bears. Pendleton County came out on fire during the first quarter as the team knocked down multiple three-pointers to take an early 20-13 lead. However, the offense would stumble during the second quarter as Bracken County got back into the game and took a 28-26 lead into halftime. The Ladycats would be limited to just six points in the second frame.

The second half resembled a heavyweight title bout as both teams battled intensely with their seasons on the line. Bracken took a 34-31 lead into the start of the fourth quarter, but Pendleton County quickly answered as Verst and Mayer struck from long range to give the Ladycats a 37-36 lead with 5:35 remaining in the game. Junior Skylar Thacker would also be a huge factor for Pendleton County as she came off the bench to score six points while grabbing five rebounds. Sophomore Lilly Ashcraft came up with a clutch steal and layup that would push the Ladycats lead to 39-36 with just over three minutes left in the game. Another Verst three-pointer would extend the lead to six points, but Bracken County would not go away. They scored 11 quick points down the stretch to tie the game at 47 all with 48 seconds left. Fortunately for the Ladycats, foul shooting would be in their favor as they knocked down eight of 10 from the charity stripe, while Bracken County made just one of six to lose their opportunity of gaining the lead. When the horn sounded to end the game, the Ladycats walked away with a 50-48 victory. Madison Verst led the team with 16 points including five made three-pointers. Ashcraft and freshman Hannah Spaulding scored 11 points to go with 10 rebounds while Mayer and Thacker posted six apiece.

The Ladycats looked to keep their postseason run in tact when the took on 37th District Champ Campbell County on March 8. The first half saw the Ladycats start slow on offense and trail 11-6. The second quarter saw Pendleton County pull within two and then take a 16-15 lead with two minutes left in the first half. However, the Lady Camels would close the half on an 11-2 run to go into halftime with a 23-16 lead.

In the third quarter, Campbell County jumped ahead 30-21 with three minutes left. The Ladycats then answered with a quick 5-0 run to pull back within four as they trailed 30-26 at the start of the fourth quarter. The first four minutes of the final period saw both teams make big shots with the most pivotal for Pendleton County coming from Hannah Spaulding as she pulled the Ladycats within two at 32-30. Ultimately, it would be the Lady Camels who would be able to execute down the stretch as they closed the game on a 9-0 run to claim a 41-30 win and end the Ladycats season. Ashcraft would lead the Ladycats with 13 points while Spaulding had nine. Following the game, both would be named to the All-Tournament team.

Ladycats head coach reflected on his squad's 12-22 season which saw continued growth and developed confidence throughout the course of the season.

"This was a fun bunch to coach who got better every single game. We battled adversity all season with injuries and building consistency. By the last month, we showed tremendous growth as a result of our hardwork and coming closer as a team," Kelsch said. "We weren't projected top 10 in any rankings and still finished in the final four of the region when it matters. We had to avenge two season losses to a good well-coached Bracken team to make the semifinals. Then we played Campbell to a one possession game halfway through the 4th quarter. They beat us 63-33 on Feb. 6th. Simply put, we got better! That is credited to the Ladycats coming to practice everyday allowing themselves to be coached and working hard to get better. To PC Nation fans, family, and supporters thank you for showing up and showing out at home and on road every single night. Your positive energy is contagious and gives us energy," coach Kelsch added.

Lilly Ashcraft would be recognized prior to the start of the Campbell County game for her third Team All Region selection by the 10th Region Coaches Association The Ladycat program future looks bright and they can't wait to get back to work and be ready for next season.