Ladycats win first district title in a decade and set new team record for wins
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The Ladycats pose with the district trophy following their 21st win of the season. Photo by Stacey Myers.
By Sam McClanahan & Stacey Myers
The historic basketball season for the Pendleton County Ladycats reached new heights as the team achieved two more milestones: The girls captured their first district championship in 10 years and also set a new program record with their 21st victory.
Pendleton County defeated Nicholas County 67-48 in the district title game on Feb. 23 at Harrison County High School to capture the program's sixth championship overall and break a single season win total that had stood for over 40 years. The 1979-80 Ladycat team coached by Randy Couch had previously been the only team to reach 20 wins in one season.
The Ladycats shook off a five-point deficit heading into the start of the second quarter and senior Saniah Thomas took over. The first team all region performer exploded for 18 of her 25 first half points to put her squad on her back and gain control of the contest. Thomas scored at will as she torched Nicholas County from both beyond three-point land and inside the paint in displaying the finest stretch of play in her decorated career. Pendleton County would take a 31-25 lead into halftime (yes, Thomas matched Nicholas County's point total by herself.)
The Ladycats would gain more momentum during the second half as the team got offensive contributions from several players to seize full control of the game. They would earn a decisive 19-point victory to claim the district title. Thomas finished with a game-high 31 points including going five for seven from three-point range and grabbing 13 rebounds while fellow senior Cara Stewart posted 17 points on eight of 10 shooting. Freshman point guard Lilly Ashcraft added eight points.
Following the win, Ladycats Saniah Thomas, Cara Stewart and Lilly Ashcraft were named to the All-Tournament team and the girls were presented their district championship trophy. From there, the team along with first year head coach Patrlck Kelsch would cut down the nets from both sides of the court as they were surrounded by family members and dozens upon dozens of faithful Ladycats supporters.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the entire Pendleton County community for the love and support. The energy and positivity was felt and it really helped our girls stay motivated and play with energy and passion,” Coach Kelsch said.
“Last August, we talked about our goals and adding the year 2023 to the Ladycats banner in our gym was the main one. They’ve now accomplished that and will forever be remembered as having the most successful season in the history of the program.” Kelsch added.
As he reflected on the journey of his team thus far, Coach Kelsch noted how unselfish his team played and how they were able to overcome every bump in the road along the way. He also thought of his friend and former Ladycats head coach Scott Collins, who passed away last October. Collins was the last head coach to lead the program to a district title in 2013.”I am thinking of my buddy who I really miss. I hope he is smiling down and proud of the Ladycats. I would’ve loved having him climb up the ladder and cut off a piece of the net.”
Coach Kelsch also touched on the dominate game turned in by Thomas, as he referred to it as possibly the single best individual performance he’s had the pleasure of enjoying as a coach. Thomas also went over the 900 rebound mark which is second all time in school record and currently has 295 which is a new single season record.
“Saniah impacted the game on both ends of the floor and her numbers were incredible. I’m proud of how she played and even more proud of how her teammates got the ball to her in positions to score. She was locked in and played her best on the biggest stage and under the brightest lights.”
The Ladycats shot 53 percent from the floor and totaled 20 team assists to only five turnovers during their win over Nicholas County. The girls advanced to the championship on Feb. 20 after the cruised to a 68-34 win over Robertson County in the semifinal round. Pendleton County dominated this matchup from the onset as Lilly Ashcraft turned in a memorable performance by knocking down five three-pointers to finish with 17 points to lead the team. Cara Stewart added 13 points and Thomas posted a double-double with 11 points to go with 12 rebounds. Skylar Ashcraft and Emily Jodrey delivered eight points each and Kearstin Mayer finished with five points and five rebounds as the team reached the 20-win mark for just the second time ever.
The Ladycats drew Montgomery County as their first round opponent in the 10th Region Tournament beginning on Feb. 27. They did not face one another during the regular season and Montgomery County has finished as the region runner-up the past two seasons. They, along with 40th District champion, George Rogers Clark will enter as the favorites. Should the Ladycats advance, they will take on the winner of the Bishop Brossart/St. Patrick matchup at 6 p.m. on March 3 in the semifinal round.
Coach Kelsch firmly believes his team is capable of making more history as the Ladycats will look to win at the regional tournament for the first time since 2011.
“I believe our starting lineup when playing as a single unit, can be as talented as any team in the region. And our bench is pivotal every night in our success on and off the floor. I’ve watched this team become a tight knit group and they deserve all the success they’re having.”