Lady Cats Battle But Can't Overcome Owensboro Catholic's Pressure in Region Semifinals

Edmonson 48, O Catholic 75

Peytin Manor, story: Gabe DeArmond, photos, Darren Doyle, contributor:
The Lady Cats battled hard against the tough Owensboro Catholic Lady Aces on their home court at the Sportscenter in Owensboro in the 3rd Region Tournament Semi-finals on March 6th but fell 75-48.

The Lady Cats came out strong in the first quarter, setting the tone early against the Lady Aces with aggressive defense and steady scoring. Cariann Williams (#30) opened the game with a basket on the first drive for the Lady Cats and continued to make her presence known on both ends of the floor, blocking multiple shots, and creating several opportunities in the first.

Shelby Sowders (#50) added momentum with eight points in the first quarter; Addison Spainhoward (#23) chipped in a score of her own, helping Edmonson control the pace. Although Owensboro Catholic answered with a few key free throws, the Lady Cats’ defensive pressure and early execution allowed them to hold a 12-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was fast-paced and physical with both teams fighting for every point. As the quarter progressed, the Lady Cats’ performance began to decline towards the end of the second, much in part to Williams receiving her controversial third foul call. OC took advantage of the situation, increasing their lead as they went on a 7-0 run after the score was tied at 19. At the end of the half, Edmonson trailed Owensboro Catholic 21 to 29.

Edmonson County continued delivering pressure into the third quarter but OC managed to fight through it and outscored them by another 8 points. At the end of the third, Owensboro Catholic led 52-36.

Even though the Lady Cats played with heart and grit, they could not overcome the insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter, due much in part to OC's relentless full court pressure. The Lady Aces with their overwhelming personnel and superior offense won the day. Edmonson County committed 21 turnovers.

"I thought we came out playing solid basketball, Head Coach Jody Booth told the Edmonson Voice. "Game plan was going great & had momentum. Obviously Cariann’s 3rd foul swung the momentum in their favor before going into halftime. With all the physicality that was let go prior to that foul, it shouldn’t have been called. It changed our plan and how aggressive we could be on defense. As the second half went on, I think we hurt ourselves more than anything. We would get a stop and turn it over. Or force them into a tough shot, but not close it with a solid rebound. And eventually we wore ourselves down."

Booth said he was extremely proud of the season they had, with only two returning players with varsity experience. He relied heavily on not only the leadership of Williams, Ani Powell, and Sowders, but also new, younger players from middle school. He said the team was chosen in the preseason ranked third in the district and had a record of only 6-5 at the New Year.

"We ended our season 21-9, 10th time in program history with 20+ wins. District Runner Up, and we have our thoughts on that game," Booth added. "We won a Region Tournament game and advanced to the Semi-Finals, which is only the 3rd win since 1994. This team this season accomplished so much, on and off the court. You won’t find better role models for our youth. A lot of excitement for girls basketball in our middle school and little league. Credit goes to my players for making it exciting to watch and be a part of."

Cariann Williams (#30) and Shelby Sowders (#50)–shot 100% from the free throw line on the night, adding 14 points to the board. As a team, they were 16-17 from the FT line.

Shelby Sowders (#50) led the Lady Cats with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Cariann Williams (#30) scored 16 points with 12 rebounds and 7 blocks. Addison Spainhoward (#23) scored 5 points including a 3-pointer and 2 rebounds. Haley Hill (#14) scored 3 points with 3 rebounds. Jocelyn Decker (#32) scored 5 points. 

Edmonson shot 14-50 from the field (28%), Catholic was 27-65 (42%). Edmonson was 4-15 from three-point range (27%) while OC shot 5-20 (25%). 

After the game, Cariann Williams (#30) was awarded the Ronnie Hardin Memorial Scholarship, given to multiple Region 3 players. She ends her high school career number 4 on the all-time girls scoring list with over 2000 points, more than 1500 rebounds, and over 500 blocked shots. She is second in the state in all-time blocked shots. She plans to further her basketball career next season with the Campbellsville Lady Tigers.