Johnson Central eliminates Lawrence County

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Johnson Central dealt defending champion Lawrence County a season-ending loss, defeating the Lady Bulldogs 59-47 in the quarterfinals of the 15th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament at Appalachian Wireless Arena on Tuesday, March 5.

The loss eliminated Lawrence County (20-12) from the 15th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

Johnson Central (28-2) advanced to the semifinals of the 15th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament after notching the win.

Moving ahead early, Johnson Central outscored Lawrence County 17-10 in the first quarter.

Johnson Central led 27-21 at halftime but Lawrence County continued to push after the break.

The champion out of the 57th District, Johnson Central clung to a 40-36 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Finishing strong, Johnson Central outscored Lawrence County 19-11 in the final period.

Johnson Central shot 57.6 percent (19-of-33) from the field. The Lady Eagles shot 41.2 percent (five-of-12) from three-point range.

Johnson Central shot 76.2 percent (16-of-21) from the free throw line.

Karlea Stanley paced Johnson Central, scoring 16 points in the region tournament game. Along with Stanley reaching double figures for Johnson Central, Becca Wright netted 13 points and Taylor McKenzie posted 11 points.

Finishing in single digits, Kaylyn McKenzie (six points), Haylee Marsillett (six points), Adyson Burchett (three points), Abbie Stambaugh (two points) and Sophie Younce (two points) were Johnson Central’s other scorers.

Sophie Adkins scored 16 points to lead Lawrence County in the region tournament game. Following Adkins, Abby Nelson netted 12 points for Lawrence County while Leandra Curnutte posted nine points.

Chipping in offensively for Lawrence County, Jada Patton added four points and Abby Maynard contributed two points.