Corbin, Ky – January 26, 2024 – Deron Mays
Owsley County’s coaching staff knew it was going to be a formidable job when they took to the court against the state’s 8th ranked Covington Holy Cross basketball team in the All A State quarterfinals Friday. Coach Travis Smith had seen enough film of them, and also most of their 38 point victory over Whitefield Academy of Louisville in the opening round Wednesday, to understand the challenges.
However, if the Lady Owls were intimidated it didn’t show itself when the game started. Owsley jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead on a pair of 3’s by Carly Smith and another by Laya Lynch and ended the first quarter with a 15-10 lead. That’s when Holy Cross coach Ted Arlinghaus decided to switch from zone defense to man-man defense. The change caused the Lady Owls some problems, mainly from 5’2 quick guard Aniyah Carter, who was assigned to Smith. She forced several turnovers and converted them into layups and the Lady Indians finally regained the lead in the second quarter, a lead they did not relinquish. Carter scored 10 points in the quarter and Holy Cross won the quarter by a score of 21-7 to lead at halftime 31-22. Holy Cross held on to a 54-35 lead after three quarters and finally won 67-45.
One point to note is the Lady Owls did win the rebound battle over the taller Lady Indians 39-37. Shelby Murray led the way in that category with 12 boards.
Macey Brown led the Lady Owls in scoring with 12 points. Addie Terry had 11 points, Carly Smith 10, Laya Lynch 6, Kenzie Grubb 4, and Shelby Murray 2.
The Lady Indians’ 6’3 center Julia Hunt was high scorer for her team with 17. Aniyah Carter scored 13, Aumani Nelson 12, Miyah Wimzie 12, Aaliyah Hayes 4, DMyah Williams 4, Alyssa Arlinghaus 3, and Suzette Klaus 2.
Holy Cross won their next round game in the semifinals Saturday over Nicholas County 67-30 and will play in the championship game Sunday vs Pikeville, a 59-52 winner over Owensboro Catholic.