Johnson Central falls to powerhouse Sacred Heart in state tournament

STAFF REPORT

BSN

LEXINGTON — Four-time defending champion Sacred Heart pulled away to defeat Johnson Central 71-25 in the first round of the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on Thursday, March 13.

Following the loss, 15th Region title winner Johnson Central exited the 2024-25 girls’ high school basketball season 27-4.

Sacred Heart separated itself from Johnson Central early and carried a lead out of each quarter.

The Valkyries excelled offensively and defensively.

Sacred Heart shot 70.5 percent (31-of-44) from the field. The Valkyries shot 40 percent (four-of-10) from three-point range.

Sacred Heart shot 100 percent (five-of-five) from the free throw line.

ZaKiyah Johnson led Sacred Heart to the convincing victory. Johnson recorded a double-double for Sacred Heart, scoring 26 points and claiming 10 rebounds.

Accompanying Johnson in double figures for Sacred Heart, Riley Gilvin netted 12 points.

Sacred Heart’s offensive attack featured 11 different scorers. The additional scorers for Sacred Heart were Brianna Wilkins (eight points), Amirah Jordan (seven points), Becca Carson (six points), Tahri Ralston (two points), Ashleah Smith (two points), Greer Wathen (two points), Lydia Mabaya (two points), Morgan Frey (two points) and Emma Zutterman (two points).

Frey provided a strong presence inside for Sacred Heart, claiming a game-high 11 rebounds.

Johnson Central shot 35.5 percent (11-of-31) from the field. The Lady Eagles connected on two of 11 three-pointers.

Johnson Central made one of six free throw attempts.

Karlea Stanley paced Johnson Central, scoring a team-high 16 points for the Lady Eagles. Stanley, a freshman, scored her 1,000th career point during the game and was the only Johnson Central player to reach double figures.

Along with Stanley, Johnson Central received scoring from Kaylyn McKenzie (five points), Kamryn Duncan (two points) and Maddie Prater (two points).