Lady Bears go 2-4 in Classics
Senior Ann Marie Skaggs attempts the buzzer-beater at the end of the quarter. PHOTO | Greg Moore
By Greg Moore
Banner Sports Editor
After a 4-1 start, the Butler County Lady Bears are looking to regroup following the Best of Twin Lakes Holiday Classic before Christmas and the Rafferty’s/Double Dogs Caveland Classic before the new year. They were 1-2 in both tournaments and will look to build from their dedication over the winter break.
The Lady Bears dominated Caverna in the Holiday Classic to end their stay in Clinton County after dropping games to the host and Livingston Academy, TN, who bested all KY teams. After an extended break from games, they got a hard-fought win over Glasgow to start the Caveland Classic before a couple of not-so-favorable losses to Monroe and Meade Counties.
In the win over Caverna, eleven of thirteen players scored for Coach Lexie Belcher’s experienced group. They outrebounded the Lady Colonels two-to-one, 53-27, in the 71-36 lopsided-win. In addition, Butler County shot their best field goal percentage during the stretch of games, notching 38%, including six three-point shots for 35%, the most they have hit all season.
Karrington Hunt, one of five seniors, makes a dash for the paint against Meade County. PHOTO | Greg Moore
While Caverna proved no match for the Lady Bears, Clinton County, who they opened with to start the tournament, could have been another win for Coach Belcher’s ladies. Up by two at the half, the game slowly slipped away from BC. Clinton went up by four after the third quarter, eventually winning, 75-63.
Once again, Butler County dominated the glass (+16) over the Lady Bulldogs; however, they did not shoot the ball well enough to steal the win at the home court of Clinton County. Ann Marie Skaggs and Ava Wilson had themselves a night. The senior, Skaggs, went for 16/14 and Wilson, a junior, finished with 15/19 to help bolster their per game averages in points and rebounds.
Junior Ava Wilson, who leads the Lady Bears in scoring and rebounding, finishing with a finger roll in the Caveland Classic. PHOTO | Greg Moore
Coach Belcher’s girls faced a gritty, young Lady Scotties squad to open the Caveland Classic. It was not exactly a pretty win, but the Lady Bears finished off Glasgow, 63-56. In what may not happen again, three Lady Bears notched a double-double; Sophomore Carly Cardwell (21/12) joined Skaggs (12/11) and Wilson (16/14) in the amazing feat.
Butler County went to the line to attempt 50 free throws, which proved pivotal, compared to the Lady Scotties’ 21 trips. While the Lady Bears hit 32, 26 by Cardwell, Skaggs, and Wilson, Glasgow made 16. The team’s +13 rebounding margin was also helpful, because the Scotties outshot the Bears, who hit only 29% from the floor. Glasgow hit four more field goals on twelve more attempts.
Senior Ann Marie Skaggs draws the defense and kicks it out to the corner for an open look. PHOTO | Greg Moore
The shooting woes continued for Butler County over the next two days to end the Caveland Classic in Brownsville. The what should have been a competitive game against Monroe County, the Lady Bears did not get much contribution in the stats line beyond Wilson and Cardwell. Wilson finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Cardwell netted 12 and swiped nine boards.
Meade County, who shot lights out in the finale at ECHS, observed the 58-35 setback of the Lady Bears to Monroe County and strategized. They executed an exceptional game plan on defense, denying BC from doing much on the offensive end while clearly frustrating them. Meade shot 56% and even better than that beyond the arc, going 13/22 for almost 60%. They hit 8/11 free-throws, also.
Junior Raleigh Skaggs is getting more minutes on the floor for Coach Belcher. Skaggs is shown here making a free-throw against Meade County. PHOTO | Greg Moore
Butler County (6-5 overall, 3-1 region, 1-0 district) will get back into district play after going to Greenwood to start this week. They will start the front end of a B/G doubleheader in Leitchfield this Friday night at 6pm.
Grayson County (10-1 overall, 6-0 region, 1-0 district) seems to be the early favorite in the 12th District. They beat Edmonson (who has an identical overall record as BC) on the road nearly a month ago, 52-48.
After that, for two weeks, the Lady Bears will settle back into the BearCave, starting the week of the 12th. They will have JV/V on Mondays (McLean/Logan Counties) and B/G varsity doubleheaders with Edmonson and Trinity on Fridays. As always, the girls will play at 6pm and boys will follow.
