KC Girls Ride Second Half Surge To Road Win

 KC Girls Ride Second Half Surge To Road Win

By David Sharp

Offensive ball control, along with improved shooting and second half defensive pressure lifted Knox County (3-1) to a 46-33 varsity girls’ victory at Highland.

Knox County came out of the gate well and finished the contest strong, cementing a win over an athletic Lady Cougar club.

Highland answered an early Knox County first quarter jump and led 11-10 at the first break.

Lorelei Schlueter came off the bench and tossed in a key three pointer along with a pair of second quarter free throws. Tessa Ramer tallied the other five second stanza KCHS points.

The Lady Cougars went the inside route. The first half score closed even up at 20. Knox County wound up doubling the score on their guests during the second half.

“We made smarter decisions with the basketball in the second half,” said Knox County coach John Weaver when asked the difference in the last 16 minutes of the December 22, 2008 contest.

“We controlled the basketball on offense and played better defense,” said Coach Weaver. “We finished out strong. We played eight or nine people. I think they just ran out of gas at the end. It was easy to see that both sides had not played in several days.”

Knox County cracked off an 11-6 third quarter run to a 31-26 lead. Lorrie Peters powered in six third period points. Amber Ausmus nailed another key Lady Eagle home run ball.
The Lady Eagles ended the contest with a 15-7 third quarter; Knox County outscored Highland 26-13 in the second half. “Highland has talented players,” said John Weaver. They will win their share of games before it is all over.”

“Stacey Leckbee played a great defensive game on Jessica Murfin. She scored 14 points, but Stacey made her earn every one of them. We have two tough games coming up this weekend.”

Highland center Ashlan Knoche scored nine points. Knox County senior guard Tessa Ramer scored a game high 17 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Lorrie Peters was in double figures with 11 points and ripped down six boards.

Knox County had 13 steals, 13 assists and only nine turnovers as a team. Stacey Leckbee scored six KCHS points. Lorelei Schlueter tossed in five points. Amber Ausmus scored three points for Knox County.

Amanda Woods scored two points and cleared six rebounds. Katie Ausmus scored two KCHS points. The Lady Eagles sank seven of nine fourth quarter free throws and were 12-17 overall from the stripe. Highland went 4-7 from the free throw line.

Knox County has a rescheduled varsity doubleheader set for Friday, January 2, 2009 at Scotland County. The Lady Eagles are set to travel to Clark County for a key Tri-Rivers Conference twin bill on Saturday, January 4.