Future Remains Bright for Heidi’s Hive
Lady Hornets huddle as they prepare to take on Bowling Green Saturday night at Diddle. Picture courtesy of Johnnie Tarter
By T.J. Morgan
Freelance Sports Reporter
For the second straight year, the Lady Hornets found themselves playing in the semifinals of the 4th region tournament at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green. After a first-round overtime victory against Logan County (18-14), the Lady Hornets earned a semifinal-round match-up against the 4th region favorite, Bowling Green Lady Purples (23-10). Coming into the game, Bowling Green was a perfect 13-0 in region play this season, with an incredibly impressive streak of 40 consecutive wins against 4th region opponents.
Metcalfe would struggle with a Bowling Green press throughout the first quarter, allowing the Lady Purples to jump out to a commanding 21-5 lead over the Lady Hornets. Metcalfe would show perseverance throughout the second and third quarters, but the early lead built by Bowling Green would be too much for the girls to overcome. Disappointingly, the night would finish with a 38-73 loss for the Lady Hornets. Bree Jolly went 3-5 from behind the arc to lead Metcalfe with 12 points. Jozie Allen would grab 12 boards to lead the Lady Hornet in the last game of the season.
The Lady Hornets finished the season 20-10 and with district championship hardware to display. The season was filled with highlights that will undoubtedly have fans excited about the future of the Lady Hornets program. The girls finished the season winners in 4 of their last 5 games, started the season winning 6 of their first 7, and were 8-2 against district opponents, showing the dominant runs they are capable of making. While Metcalfe will graduate lone senior and team leader, Camryn Reece, they will return their entire starting lineup. 8th graders Jozie Allen and Lily Blythe will become freshmen, and veterans Kassady London and Anna Grace Blythe will return as upperclassmen. Post contributor Aubrie Compton will return as a sophomore for the Lady Hornets. Aubrey Glass and Bree Jolly will also return as sophomores, but for their fourth season in a varsity uniform.
With Bowling Green graduating their top three leading scorers this season, Metcalfe has to feel like a serious region contender moving forward. The spotlight will be on the Lady Hornets next season as enthusiasm will continue to be at an all-time high over this special hive of Lady Hornets.
Senior Camryn Reece attacking a Lady Purple defender. Picture courtesy of Johnnie Tarter
