Up against a very physical, strong and versatile team in Saturday’s CFSB Classic, Coach Aaron Beth thought the Lady Marshals put up a great battle in their 68-56 loss to (depending on the poll), #1 and #2 ranked Simon Kenton, who improve to 18-2.
“We spotted them too many points in the first quarter”, Beth said. “We adjusted and did a better job getting the ball inside to Halle. I thought Cayson did a great job getting to the rim. They guarded us well, we were just miss-matched size wise.”
After an opening basket by Simon Kenton senior Madison Stamper, Cayson Conner scored and drew the foul and converted the three point play to put the Lady Marshals on top 3-2. Seriniti Webb put the Lady Pioneers back on top and they would hold the lead from that point on, going up by as many as 10 points in the quarter. Senior Matti Vickers scored 11 of Simon Kenton’s first quarter points, nine from three point range, to lead 24-13. The Lady Marshals cut the lead to 24-18, finishing off with five points from Conner including a just inside half-court three at the buzzer.
Simon Kenton turned the ball over to start the second quarter, picked up by Conner and over to Jada Driver under the goal for a basket and foul to pull the Lady Marshals to within three points. Out-scoring Simon Kenton by three in the quarter, they drew to within three points at halftime at 37-34. Conner led with 16 points in the half while Vickers scored 19 for Simon Kenton.
The third quarter got away from the Lady Marshals, Simon Kenton taking a 48-35 lead behind five points from Stamper and four from Webb on several second effort baskets. Driver scored the final four points of third quarter for Marshall County, just missing a final bucket that rolled off the rim at the buzzer.
Langhi scored the first four points in the fourth quarter to pull the Lady Marshals to within 10 points. A basket by Conner and free throw from Langhi cut it to single digits with 3:25 remaining but they would get no closer in the 12 point loss after Simon Kenton finished the game out on five free throws.
“If we battle like that, I like our chances against anybody in the first region”, Beth said of the team’s effort. “I’m super proud and excited about the potential this team has.”
After a week off, the Lady Marshals will play a district game at home Friday against Calloway County (9-7).
Simon Kenton 24 37 58 68
Marshall County 18 34 45 56
Scoring:
Simon Kenton: Maddie Vickers 19, Madison Stamper 13, Maggie Jones 11, Sereniti Webb 11, Chelsea Little 7, Kady Schawe 5, Teresa Cooper 2
Marshall County: Cayson Conner 25, Halle Langhi 13, Jada Driver 11, Layne Pea 5, Presley Jezik 2
