Lady Bulldogs capture first region championship

Lawrence County captured its first region championship on Sunday, March 5. Under the direction of coach Melinda Feltner, Lawrence County edged Pikeville 50-49 in the 15th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament championship game at Appalachian Wireless Arena. Photo courtesy of Lawrence County High School

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Lawrence County battled back from behind and then outlasted four-time defending champion Pikeville 50-49 in the 15th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament championship game at Appalachian Wireless Arena on Sunday, March 5.

Following the win, Lawrence County improved to 30-5.

After finishing runner-up to Pikeville one year ago, Lawrence County overcame multiple double-digit deficits to capture its first region championship.

Pikeville edged Lawrence County 14-12 in the first quarter.

Remaining out in front, Pikeville led 29-23 at halftime.

Managing to stretch its lead after the intermission period, Pikeville led 42-32 at the end of the third quarter.

But Lawrence County wouldn’t be denied the win. The Lady Bulldogs controlled the final quarter to claim the win and the region championship.

Lawrence County shot 41.3 percent (19 of 46) from the field. The Lady Bulldogs made two of 11 three-point field goal attempts.

Lawrence County shot 71.4 percent (10 of14) from the free-throw line.

Kentucky Miss Basketball candidate Kensley Feltner scored 24 points to lead Lawrence County to the victory. Feltner, who has signed with Belmont University, scored 10 points for Lawrence County in the fourth quarter.

Instrumental in Lawrence County’s win, Abby Nelson netted 11 points.Following Nelson in scoring for Lawrence County, Leandra Curnutte and Sophie Adkins added six points apiece.

Chipping in offensively as part of Lawrence County’s winning effort, Kaison Ward contributed three points.

Curnutte paced Lawrence County inside, pulling down seven rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs.

Trinity Rowe scored 15 points to pace Pikeville in the region championship game.

Accompanying Rowe in double figures for Pikeville, Leighan Jackson netted 12 points.

Nearly reaching figures for Pikeville, Kyera Thornsbury tallied nine points.

Rounding out Pikeville’s individual scoring, Kristen Whited contributed six points and Rylee Theiss added five points.

Prior to suffering the loss, Pikeville had won 38 straight games versus 15th Region opponents.

Lawrence County is scheduled to meet 7th Region Champion Sacred Heart in the opening round of the Girls’ Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena in Lexington at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8.