Lady Eagles Take Non Conference Game From Brashear Tigers
Lady Eagles Take Non Conference Game From Brashear Tigers
By David Sharp
Knox County’s half court defense was enough to keep Brashear from getting quality scoring chances in a 54-27 non conference win at Brashear. The February 19 afternoon contest was rescheduled from January 31.
Brashear (10-11) got their share of offensive rebounds and open shots, but could not cash in on a regular basis.
The Lady Tigers were 3-21 overall from the field during the first half according to court side stats. Brashear sank only three of 16 free throws. Knox County was 4-9 from the stripe.
Hannah Strange gave Knox County (15-6) a 9-2 lead with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Brashear scored the next four points, trimming their deficit to 9-6.
Meredith Thomas finished Stephanie Elsea’s feed at the 6:50 mark of the second quarter. Knox County moved well during a 10-0 Lady Eagle run to a 19-6 edge.
Kathleen Hinkle completed a three point play with 3:43 showing on the third quarter clock.
Knox County sank shots most of the game. Brashear was not able to match the Lady Eagle shooting day. Stacey Leckbee stroked a home run ball for a 22-7 lead with 1:50 remaining in the first half.
Hannah Dale canned another of Knox County’s six home run balls at the buzzer for a 25-8 lead.
Amber Ausmus had a strong game, scoring seven of her nine points during a 14-12 second quarter to a 39-20 Lady Eagle lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Ten Knox County and five Brashear players scored in the contest. McKaiya Miller gave Knox County a 49-25 lead with 3:14 to play in the game. Forward Kelly Bruns turned in another solid effort off the Lady Eagle bench.
Kelsey Bryant fired in a two pointer at the 1:32 mark. Shelby Salter answered for the Lady Tigers 23 seconds later for a 51-27 KCHS edge.
Freshman Taylor Lincoln showed Knox County fans a glimpse of their team’s future when she buried a three ball with 54 seconds showing on the clock. Lincoln hung with Brashear standout Shelby Salter defensively on the perimeter.
“We just couldn’t hit shots. It looked like we were a little tired today,” Brashear coach Heath Schneider said. “We got open shots. We didn’t really force too many. Our legs just weren’t under us. We didn’t take advantage of what they gave us.”
“I know Knox was tired too. This was their fourth game of the week,” Coach Schneider said. “We left girls open that you just can’t leave open. Some of the Knox County girls can really shoot the ball well.”
Brashear travels to Marion County on Tuesday before finishing their regular season Thursday. The Lady Tigers can win a share of the Tri-County Conference girl’s championship with a victory over Macon County.
Meredith Thomas led Brashear with ten points. Shelby Salter scored six points. Abby McKim put in five points. Stephanie Elsea scored four while Sydney Slavin added two Brashear points.
“Brashear has athletes. They are quick off the dribble and they can shoot,” Knox County coach John Weaver said. “I think the difference was that we just kind of wore them out. We played 12 people and they only had seven players.”
“We just got on them early and did what we do,” John Weaver said. “We executed enough on offense and got points from so many people. That helped us get the lead early. We just kept playing good defense.”
Stacey Leckbee scored a game high 13 Knox County points. Kathleen Hinkle was in double figures with ten points. Amber Ausmus tossed in nine points. Hannah Strange scored seven points. Hannah Dale, Taylor Lincoln and Sarah Dooley scored three KCHS points each. McKaiya Miller, Kelsey Bryant and Devin Gudehus scored two points each.
Knox County has two conference games coming up. The Eagles travel to a dangerous Milan team on Tuesday.
The Lady Wildcats are currently 12-10 and 3-5 in the conference. Milan’s boys are 10-11 overall and 3-5 in the Tri-Rivers Conference.
The Eagles host North Shelby on Thursday, February 24 for their senior night and final regular season contest.
